A RANGE of support remains available to all Warrington residents who have been impacted by coronavirus.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on people in many different ways, with some people’s lives affected more severely than others.

Some people may be struggling to adapt to a world which has changed and may be suffering from anxiety, while there has also been an increase in people who live in fear of or experience violence in their own home.

At the same time, restrictions have meant most people have not been able to move about as much as they used to.

Being at home all of the time has led to many people eating more than usual, and the limited opportunities to socialise have led some to drink more alcohol at home, which has become a difficult routine to break.

The pandemic has also had a financial impact, with many people being placed on furlough or losing their job.

This has caused hardship, leading to rent arrears or difficulty keeping up with mortgage payments.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought huge changes to everyday life.

“It has been a very stressful time, taken its toll on everyone’s wellbeing, and we know that some people are struggling to cope with these challenges.

“The good news is that there is support available for anyone who needs it.

“If you have been feeling anxious, lonely or down, please get some advice, as talking to someone can help you find new ways to think about things.

“Sadly, we know that the pressures of the past 18 months have led to an increase in the breakdown of family relationships and also a rise in violence within the home.

“If you have been impacted in this way, please do not suffer in silence.

“At the same time, if you have financial problems, there is support to help you sort this out, whether this is through money advice, help with budgeting and access to benefits, help in finding a new job or even exploring retraining if your former job no longer exists.

“You can also access a number of services to help you make the positive change to kick-start your journey to health – with guidance available on getting active, healthier food choices, and cutting down on alcohol.”

Here is a list of the Covid support available to Warrington residents:

  • If you are suffering from long-term medical symptoms related to Covid, you should speak to your GP. However, if you are not happy with the care you have been given, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, which can assist with any concerns you may have, provide independent advice and resolve problems. Call: 01925 27 5512; Out of hours: 01925 66 2281 (24 hour voicemail) or email: whh.pals@nhs.net
  • If you are struggling with anxiety, visit nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ for tips and advice. If you urgently need to speak to someone about your mental health, you can call the dedicated NHS 24-7 crisis line on 0800 051 1508.
  • People can also talk to the council’s wellbeing team to get the information and support they need to start feeling back on track. Call 01925 248460 or email warringtonwellbeing@warrington.gov.uk
  • To kick-start your health, manage your weight or get exercising, visit livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyle or call 0300 003 0818.
  • For employment and financial issues, including mortgagee arrears, visit warrington-advice.co.uk/warringtoncab or email admin@warrington.cabnet.org.uk. You can also call the National Advice line on 0300 3309 091.
  • If you think you are in danger of losing your home or becoming homeless, visit warrington.gov.uk/homelessness-and-housing-advice-service. You can also email housingadvice@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 444400.
  • Complete the quiz at changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/alcohol-drinking-levels-quiz-self-assessment to give yourself a guide to whether your drinking has become a problem. You can also call 01925 415176 or email warringtonsms@cgl.org.uk
  • If you are suffering from intimidation or violence in your home or from a partner, visit warrington.gov.uk/domesticabuse for support.
  • Warrington Community Centres are located across the borough and offer a wide variety of activities, including money advice, exercise classes, luncheon clubs and craft session. You can find your nearest centre and find out what is happening in your area by visiting warrington.gov.uk/communitycentres or calling 01925 818017.
  • We all deserve to enjoy life and feel good about ourselves. Sometimes however, life can be tough. Whether you are feeling great and want to stay that way, you are a bit fed up or you are struggling to manage your feelings, happyoksad.warrington.gov.uk has links to information and tips ranging from how to boost your mood to where to get help if you are unable to cope.