Cumbernauld CHaT First Stop Shop and Helpline Service Launched in Light of COVID-19

Individuals, families and communities across Cumbernauld have the opportunity to receive free support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through a new telephone helpline and email support service launched today by Cornerstone House Centre.   

The Cumbernauld CHaT (Community Help and Talk) Service, endorsed by The National Lottery Community Fund and Corra Foundation, is now live, bringing together the knowledge, expertise and skills of Cornerstone House Centre, Cumbernauld Family Hub and Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub for the benefit of local people and organisations.

A range of free practical supports, interventions, advice giving and chat options are being provided as part of the Cumbernauld CHaT Service with a view to helping Cumbernauld citizens through this challenging period.

A telephone helpline, open from 9am-9pm every day, and email support service have been set up and are operational as of today through the Cumbernauld CHaT Service. Independent of statutory agencies, the service aims to act as a first stop shop for advice, guidance, signposting, social contact and practical assistance for those in the Cumbernauld area in need of help at this time. Mary McNeil, Development Manager of Cornerstone House Centre, commented:

“As a Community Anchor Organisation serving Greater Cumbernauld, it was vital that Cornerstone House Centre responded to the coronavirus pandemic in the most helpful, practical and comprehensive way on behalf of local people.

“Hence, after some detailed work over the past few weeks to put in place a wide-ranging provision which will support Cumbernauld residents in a significant way, the organisation is pleased to launch the Cumbernauld CHaT service.

“The telephone helpline and email support service are open for any individual or organisation in the Cumbernauld area to access, including family members, older people, those on lower incomes, people facing physical or mental health challenges, people who are lonely or isolated, individuals unable to leave the house, carers and those experiencing health inequalities.

“The Service will operate for at least six months, and indeed as long as is necessary to make sure that Cumbernauld people are well supported during these difficult and unprecedented times.

“We recognise that so many amazing communities and organisations are doing their bit to help the Cumbernauld area at this time, and our goal is to work together with everyone to maximise the impact of all the support services on offer.” 

If you or someone you know needs help, advice or simply someone to talk to as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions, please contact the Cumbernauld CHaT Service on 07940 569527 (between 9am and 9pm) or email health@cornerstone-house.org.uk. A member of the team will discuss via telephone or email the need that you have and seek to help in the most suitable, practical and compassionate way.

Additionally, to assist people in the Cumbernauld area, the CHaT Service has published The Cumbernauld Coronavirus 101 Directory. This details 101 organisations, services, supports and resources across the public, voluntary and private sectors which may be of benefit to Cumbernauld citizens during the coronavirus pandemic, consisting of a mixture of local, regional and national provisions.

The Directory identifies specific supports available in the areas of physical health, mental health, practical support, financial support, social contact, learning support, emergency help and advice and information. It also provides key contact and access information for each entry.

This is the first of a range of tools and resources which the Cumbernauld CHaT Service endeavours to provide over the coming months. Further information can be obtained by contacting the telephone helpline or email address.

Click Here to Telephone the Cumbernauld CHaT Service

Click Here to Email the Cumbernauld CHaT Service

Click Here to Download The Cumbernauld Coronavirus 101 Directory

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The following online resources are also provided by the Cumbernauld CHaT Service to support local people during the coronavirus pandemic:

Eight Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health During Coronavirus Restrictions

A Young Person and Feeling Anxious About Coronavirus? Access Free Online Support

24 Amazing Ideas to Keep Your Children and Family Busy at Home During Quarantine

Open Invitation to Free Online Stress Control Classes During Coronavirus Restrictions

Volunteers Wanted: Sign Up to Help Cumbernauld Through Coronavirus Pandemic

Local Food Bank Providing and Welcoming Donations During Coronavirus Outbreak

Cumbernauld Citizens Urged to ‘Count 14’ and Low the Risks of Alcohol Consumption