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NHS Coronavirus information. Information from gov.uk. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have health concerns, please seek medical attention.
Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.
Covid
Please help, I am disabled and on my own. I don’t know where to turn
Hellokittymania · 17/03/2020 09:34
I just sent the social worker an email, I’m in London, I don’t know if they’re making a list of the people who are living on their own with no friends or family who really need help. I have had a hard time since I can’t do my shopping online, all of the slots are taken. I go to one shop, can’t find what I need… my sink is now also completely packed up… I just feel like crying.
Welshmaenad · 17/03/2020 09:35
Call the emergency duty number for your adult social services team. They should be able to organise for your sink to be sorted and you can discuss any immediate needs with them.
FromIbizaToTheNorfolkMaud · 17/03/2020 09:38
Have you checked local social media? Our Facebook Local page has information about a volunteer group which will do shopping and run errands for people who are self-isolating or can’t get out and I understand that similar groups are popping up all over London.
bellinisurge · 17/03/2020 09:39
I'm so sorry you are having a tough time. And the bloody sink too.
I really hope a social worker gets back to you.
I'm at the other end of the country so I don't know how things are in your area.
If you are on Facebook I know that local groups are being set up across the country.
Search Covid 19 Mutual Support Network and your area.
Fingers crossed for you.
Jennes · 17/03/2020 09:40
Hi Kitty
I know you mentioned your location in previous posts but can you confirm it again as mumsnetters local to you might be able to help.
Thescrewinthetuna · 17/03/2020 09:40
On my local Facebook pages there are many kind people offering help to people in your situation. Have you checked on there? Please do so if you are able, there will be people in your area who will do what they can to get you groceries or help with your sink, please don’t panic 
Hellokittymania · 17/03/2020 09:40
I’m sorry everyone, can somebody please help me to find one of these groups on Facebook, if there are. I am in North West London. Sometimes, I just don’t know the right words to look for it.
Jennes · 17/03/2020 09:40
I am in west London but I remember you aren’t from around here.
FromIbizaToTheNorfolkMaud · 17/03/2020 10:21
It’s hard to look for suitable pages without knowing where you are (and I understand you won’t want to be precise) and most you have to join before you can see them. But there’s a page called West Hampstead Community, for example, so if you search with the name of your area + community you’re likely to find something relevant.
BlankTimes · 17/03/2020 10:34
Hi Kitty,
You've missed the information upthread by bellinisurge
Search your local Facebook for
Covid 19 Mutual Support Network and your area
For example, If you live in Islington, search for Covid 19 Mutual Support Network Islington.
If you live in Kilburn search for Covid 19 Mutual Support Network Kilburn
OR, as FromIbizaToTheNorfolkMaud has said,
search with the name of your area + community
Example Search for Islington Community.
minipie · 17/03/2020 10:41
If you are in London it is also worth joining Nextdoor (search for it on google or in the app store) as you will be able to post messages on there to your local community
Good luck
finnmcool · 17/03/2020 10:43
Hi Kitty,
Just to second what Blank Times said.
The covid 19 mutual support Facebook page is a fantastic resource, our Barnet one has loads of help on there.
People are being incredibly kind.
Regarding your sink, if you can, pour a kettle of hot water down the plug hole from a height.
Do you have any soda crystals?
Try not to panic, you will be OK and people will help you
Absentwomen · 17/03/2020 10:47
Fantastic advice from everyone here, OP.
I'm way up in the North, but sending a handhold.
FrankieManca · 17/03/2020 11:04
The NextDoor app / network is setting up local support networks: can someone local to Kitty invite her and explain how to Download NextDoor?
Kitty is there a poster you have previously had contact with that you would trust to give your London neighbourhood to by a message?
ShowYourself · 17/03/2020 11:18
Your social worker may not be immediately available so I’d suggest you call the office directly. All the team will be aware that there are some people more vulnerable than others.
Facebook is a great idea, I won’t repeat what others have said about the groups but hope you’re able to find your local one. Mine is amazing, people will help you. :)
Squaffle · 17/03/2020 11:43
Can you download the ‘next door’ app on your phone? It’s a neighbourhood app and mine is full of people offering free support.
callmecrazybut · 17/03/2020 11:55
If you don't find help with Facebook groups your local church/place of worship might be able to help or direct you to help?
Hellokittymania · 17/03/2020 12:27
No luck yet, I will try the next-door app.
buttermilkwaffles · 17/03/2020 12:51
Search Facebook for name of your area plus the word share?
Also try covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/
buttermilkwaffles · 17/03/2020 12:52
Also your local Freecycle /Freegle group may have something set up?
Bogoffrain · 17/03/2020 12:55
Kitty what is wrong with the sink? Do you rent? Your landlord should sort this for you ASAP especially if you say you need it for hand washing
Hellokittymania · 17/03/2020 13:35
I found a group on Facebook for the next pearl over… But not for my own… Sorry, using dictation, trying to say for the next borrow.
I don’t know what’s wrong with the sink, the water won’t go down. I filled up a container in the meantime with water and put it in the bath. So I’ve use that instead.
bellinisurge · 17/03/2020 14:16
Do you have any bicarbonate of soda and any vinegar?
The combo in a plug hole does look rather dramatic- even just a little bit of either - but it can temporarily shift a block.
Or something as simple as pouring boiling water from a kettle down it. Obviously you need to be careful of scalding yourself with splashes.
Your landlord should arrange a proper fix, though.
INeedNewShoes · 17/03/2020 14:19
Phone your local small shop (NOT one of the big chains). Our little local shop is offering to deliveries to anyone self-isolating.
BadCatDirtyCat · 17/03/2020 14:24
You could also email your local councillor and ask for any contacts they have who might be able to assist you.
www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors
Good luck, it is such a horrible time
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