Useful Phone Numbers and Websites: Help during Coronavirus

0800 028 2816

Coronavirus Covid-19 Helpline

A FREE helpline. Advice on Coronavirus if you do not have symptoms, but want general advice about the illness. 8 am – 10 pm. Every day. Information for those online available at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

0808 800 9060

Coronavirus Advice Line

A FREE helpline. Practical advice on consumer, employment, housing and personal finance issues. Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Those online can go to www.coronavirusadvice.scot

0300 303 1362

Highland Council Covid-19 Helpline

A FREE helpline for advice on benefits, personal support, education and social care as well as other council services. Also for businesses re help with financial support. Helpline staff will signpost callers to other organisations providing help and assistance, and will gather offers from individuals or community groups wishing to volunteer. 8am to 6pm. Monday to Friday.

01349 886669

Highland Council number for those who are “shielding” and require assistance.

Anyone receiving a letter or text from NHS asking them to “shield” can contact the Council for support during self-isolation. People in this position may need different types of support, and that might change during the 12 weeks. Some people may need no assistance at all because they have family or friends who can help.

Anyone else requiring support during self-isolation can call the Council’s new helpline at 0300 303 1362 and select the ‘need help with welfare’ option. Support for those with shielding letters will be prioritised - but the Council will also help other vulnerable people.

Those online can visit www.highland.gov.uk/shielding to provide contact details and type of support required.

0800 12 44 222

Age Scotland National Helpline

Helpline providing information, friendship and advice for older people. 9 am – 5 pm. Monday – Friday.

Or e-mail on helpline@agescotland.org.uk  Also lots of information on website: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland

0808 808 3000

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Helpline

If you have any questions about dementia, or about the support available in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland's 24-Hour Freephone Helpline. Also lots of information on website www.alzscot.org

Local community support groups: for information on help available in your area. (You may already have had a flyer through your door about your local group.)

Highland Third Sector Interface records local support groups in a Community Action Register.

Contact Anne [07933 653313] or Jo [07933 653585] for what’s listed for your area. Those online can view it at www.covidhelp4highland.org

Other Useful Numbers

Adult Social Care Single Points of Contact: For those newly requiring support from Adult Social Care, or needing information on the services available:

Caithness    01955 606915                      Sutherland           01408 664018

East Ross    01349 853131                      Mid Ross             01349 860460

Lochaber     01397 709873                       Inverness West   01463 888333

Inverness East  01463 888333                 Nairn                   01667 422702

Badenoch & Strathspey - 01479 812618  Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross  01471 820174

Adult Support and Protection Line

0800 902 0042

or 0845 769 7284 out of hours

Members of the public can use this number to report an adult protection concern.

If someone is in imminent danger, please call 999 instead

Connecting Carers Support Line

01463 723560

Unpaid carers can call Monday – Friday,     10 am – 4 pm for information or support.

01349 808022
Third Sector Helpline – giving groups and organisations help to navigate providing support at this difficult time

This Helpline is for Third Sector Groups and Organisations only : individuals should contact the Highland Council Helpline

To report Scams or Bogus Callers

Phone Police Scotland on 101 – or in an emergency 999

You can also contact Advice Direct Scotland re scams on 0808 164 600