During this continued time of uncertainty, I would like to remind residents of the different organisations offering a helping hand, whether you’re struggling with your finances, mobility, or your mental health.

If you are self-isolating because you have COVID-19 symptoms, live with someone who has symptoms or you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and have no friends or family nearby to help you, then support is available from the Bracknell Forest Community Response. The Response can help with things like food shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking and any further information and advice that may help you. You can email for support via community@theark.org.uk or call on 01344 266911 between 8am and 8pm.

There are also organisations which can help if you’re struggling with finances during the coronavirus pandemic. Citizens Advice Bracknell and District is a local charity providing free, independent and confidential advice on a range issues, including finance, legal, employment and housing. The Money Advice Service was set up by the Government and offers free and impartial money advice. The council also has a welfare and housing team who can help you with support and advice to help you keep your home or find another home.

If you are struggling with mental health I encourage you to contact NHS Volunteer Responders, who offer help to people in need of support or who are avoiding public places during the pandemic, as well as social prescribers who can support people who are feeling isolated. I would also like to mention Talking Therapies, The Silver Line, Samaritans and Mind as great helplines and organisations which specialise in mental health and can help you if you are finding things difficult.

If you are in need of support for your mobility then I urge you to contact the council’s adult social care team by filling out this online enquiry form. Age UK, the British Red Cross and our community volunteers are fantastic aids in supporting mobility issues and can help you with getting more active.

You can find details of all of the organisations that I’ve mentioned on our help for anyone struggling during the pandemic webpage.

If you know someone who deserves a special treat this year please do take a look at The Lexicon’s Christmas Wishes campaign which will grant 10 wishes with help from Cllr Ash Merry, Mayor of Bracknell Forest, and Cllr Michael Titheridge, Bracknell Town Mayor. I hope that this will put a smile on your faces.

Stay safe, and have a great week