Remember to follow the government guidance on hand washing and hygiene before you help others. Download this PDF on how to handwash.
Help people who are self isolating or have been advised to stay at home
Download and print this viral kindness postcard created by Becky Wass from Falmouth. Fill it in and post it through the door of someone you think may need help. For example: someone who’s over 70 and considered high risk
Help someone do an online shop. Many older people may not have access to technology or know how to use it. Most major supermarkets deliver food. Offer to order it for them
Contact the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) if you’re concerned about a loved one and don’t live close by. Call 101 or look up your local police website
Signpost people to a local Facebook support group
There are thousands of mutual aid groups set up to help people in local communities who are considered high risk. Find a local group.
Give money or food to food banks
Donate what you can to food banks. Visit the Trussel Trust website and find a food bank in your area.
You can also donate money and food at our Co-op stores.
Help people worrying about finances
You can share this advice on claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Support people struggling with anxiety
Encourage people to contact Mind, the mental health charity, to talk about how they’re feeling in these uncertain times. Find all the contact details on Co-op's charity partnership page.
Share accurate health advice
For advice on what to do if you, or someone you know, has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the NHS website or GOV.UK.
Be careful about sharing advice on social media unless it’s from a reliable source.
Share up-to-date travel advice
Signpost people to the latest travel advice at GOV.UK.
Talk to children about the coronavirus
Visit UNICEF’s website to find 8 tips on talking to children about coronavirus.
Find out how you can volunteer
Search local Facebook groups or google a local group you know, as they may be looking for volunteers. There are many groups like the cadets, scouts and others co-ordinating local efforts to help people who need it. Find a local Facebook group
Google ‘neighbourhood networks for older people’ to find ways you can help locally
Call a socially isolated old person who’s by themselves with no family. Sign up for telephone befriending at Age UK
Help others as a British Red Cross emergency response volunteer or community reserve volunteer. Sign up to volunteer on the British Red Cross website