We are in unprecedented times and facing uncertainty as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our daily lives. We want to assure you that Common Unity is fully committed to the safety and health of our communities.
During this period we all need to be there for each other even more so than usual which is somewhat ironic as the lockdown means that for many people they are finding the experience of life with little or no contact a real challenge to cope with.
But there are opportunities especially through the links we have online.
For overall Health & Wellbeing service information there is The Waiting Room (TWR) . Although many of the services are struggling regarding staffing numbers available and the amount of support they can practically put in place they are still providing as much support as they can personally, online, via text and the telephone. 
TWR also provides you with links to Birmingham and Solihull local NHS website which gives advice to the public around this challenge as well as links to all the national websites provided by the NHS and the Government. TWR also provides you with directories to all GP surgeries across Birmingham and Solihull.
We are also conscious that even after all of this is over the longer term impact and issue of loss will remain with many of us for years to come so TWR has also included within its listed services access to the national Cruse Bereavement website which provides crucial advice as to how best be supported through these difficult times.
Another key thing to look after is our own wellbeing – The NHS backed Every Mind Matters website provides loads of tips to improve your mental wellbeing. Looking after yourself is priority during these challenging times, after all, we need to be as well as we can so we can continue to help and support those around us that we love. We have added this link to TWR but you can also read it HERE
During this period of lockdown there are also rising concerns in respect of there being an increased risk of domestic abuse. We have added the Governments advice and guidance page to TWR but there are a number of superb services in Birmingham and Solihull that support people at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse including RSVP and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. There are also a range of Helplines listed in TWR because as we all know, it’s good to talk. Organisations include Samaritans, Calm and for those under 25, The Mix helpline.
We also have listed Foodbanks in Birmingham and Solihull as currently there are many who are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet as well as the National Debtline link that many community members might find useful which includes the Webchat option.
Don’t forget, there are loads of other areas including Mental Health, Virtual Support, Therapeutic Support and more besides that you can tap into from home.
If there are any services that you are aware of that have recently popped up to support Birmingham and Solihull citizens and it is not on TWR, please do not hesitate in letting us know either by clicking on ‘add a service’ at TWR or emailing us directly at info@the-waitingroom.org.
Common Unity and the Waiting Room team will be highlighting other relevant and useful services over the coming weeks that may be able to support you, your family and friends. In the meantime, look after your wellbeing and please keep yourself safe.
Best Caron x
