Emergency NOISE June 2020       Corona Virus Update: 29th June 2020

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Dear Friend. We hope that you are keeping safe and well. Although our office is still closed, some staff are working part-time to undertake key tasks to ensure we can continue our important work once we can re-open.

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Meanwhile, our fantastic team of volunteers (made up of individuals and groups, as well as volunteers from Lions, HealthWatch, Age UK, Alzheimers Society, and NCC) continues to to keep in contact with our vulnerable service users. Thank you as always to them all.

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Some of our phone service volunteers are starting to return to work, so may not be able to continue to give their time to calling our clients. We are grateful for their valuable support and wish them well. If you would like us to allocate another volunteer to keep calling you, please let us know using the contact details in point 4 below and we will arrange this as soon as we can. Thank you.

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1. For emergency support, telephone the Local Authority on 01670 536400​

2. For help with things like transport to your GP, essential shopping, etc., please call the Northumberland Community Response team on 01670 620015

3. If your matter is not urgent and someone is already contacting you (e.g. as part of a group or you already have someone assigned to you) please contact them

4. If you do not already have someone contacting you and would like us to arrange this, please phone NCBA (01670 514316) or email Barry Frost at barry.frost@ncba.org.uk. We have tried to call every single one of our clients we have a phone number for, so if you haven't heard from us it could be because we do not have your current contact details. Please do get in touch to let us know.

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Please look after yourself and make sure you follow the Government Advice.

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We will be back as soon as we are able to. From the Team at Northumberland County Blind Association

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In the mean time, please check out the following:

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'Sunflower Lanyard Scheme': "A discreet way for people with hidden disabilities to show they need extra support or just a little more time"

https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/

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You may also find the following contacts useful:

• RNIB 0303 123 9999

• Gateshead sight service: 0191 4785959

• Calibre audio: 01296 432 339

• Optima Low Vision Services: 01803 864218 sales@optimalowvision.co.uk

• Optelec Enhanced Vision: 080 80908090

• Cobolt Systems: 01493 700172 sales@cobolt.co.uk

• Northumberland community response hub: 01670 620015 (9-6 x7)

• Guide dogs Newcastle: 0345 1430220 www.guidedogs.otg.uk/covid19

• BID Services: 01670 293150

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Keep safe!