Help for individuals

Rent and mortgage payments

With the government ban on evictions being lifted, we’re urging anyone who has fallen into arrears with their rent as a result of the pandemic or for any other reason, to contact us today for advice and support. This also applies to anyone who may be in fear of losing their home having fallen behind with mortgage payments.

Our Housing Options Team is just a call or email away and will do all it can to help you resolve your problem and work with you to prevent you from becoming homeless.

If this sounds like you, please don't leave it until the last minute. Whatever your situation, call us today on 01524 582257 or email us at customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk

Personal help and support

If you're concerned that you, a neighbour, family member or friend, will struggle during this time please call our Community Hub on 01524 582000 or email customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk and we will support you and direct you to the help you need. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm, and bank holidays from 9am to 5pm.

If you are struggling to afford food

Please contact the Community Hub - we can arrange for you to be referred to a local food bank.

If you can afford food, but can't get out to the shops or get food delivered

Please register on the Lancaster District Support Line, with details of the support you (or someone you are helping) needs. If you have difficulty registering online, contact the Community Hub and we will help you.

If you need help collecting a prescription

If you feel lonely and would like to chat with someone

If you need help with hospital or outpatient transport

Please call us on 01524 582000 and we will refer you to the NHS Volunteer Responders.

If you want to find shopping, delivery and other support services near to you

Private rented accommodation

See our guidance for landlords (PDF) and guidance for tenants (PDF) of shared accommodation.

Other support

In addition to our main support site, we maintain a list of local support agencies and charities who can help you.

Regional organisations

Age UK Lancashire - Email Telephone: 0300 303 1234
Carers UK - Find your local carers organisations at www.carersuk.org/local-support
Citizens Advice - North Lancashire Email Telphone: 03444 889 622 (advice line) 01524 400404 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Social Ease - Email
Cancer Care - Email Telephone: 01524 381820
Victim Support (domestic abuse)
St John's Hospice Telephone: 01524 382538
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health Resources in Lancashire & South Cumbria (PDF, 725KB)

National organisations

NHS Telephone: 111
Public Health England
Alzheimer's Association - tips for caregivers
Shelter
Samaritans - Email Telephone: 116123 (Free)
Mind - Email Telephone: 0300 123 3393 Text: 86463
Childline
Frank: Drug & Alcohol Support Telephone: 0300 123 6600
Diabetes UK
British Heart Foundation
British Lung Foundation
Kidney Care UK
Stroke Association
Parkinsons UK
BEAT Eating Disorders
NSPCC
Big White Wall - counselling for over 18s
Kooth - counselling for under 18s

Guidance from central government

Guidance on supporting mental health of children & young people
Guidance on social distancing
Guidance on sheilding and protecting vulnerable people
Guidance for households with possible infection
Coronavirus FAQs
Coronavirus Fact Sheet for Children
GOV.UK WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Service - To use the service, members of the public simply need to add +44 7860 064422 to their contacts and send a WhatsApp message saying “Hi”

If you're unable to contact us by telephone, there is also an online registration system for those who have a medical condition which makes them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus and need additional assistance: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.