In this issue:

• Looking to the future?
• Helplines
• Peer support
• Care Quality Commission
• COVID-19 (coronavirus) guidance 

Have you completed our COVID-19 survey yet? Here's another snapshot of responses.

Question 12) asks: "Thinking about the future, do you think any of the changes to ways of working should continue, when social distancing, etc. is eased? For example, changes to GP or hospital appointments, use of technology, changes to community services. Please tell us what you would like to see happen."

Suggestions that have been put forward include:

• Continue with appointments by phone, or video, where appropriate
• Be able to ring the GP for a face-to-face appointment within a reasonable time
• Classes for people who need help with technology

Let us know your ideas by completing the survey at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/covid-19-survey

Please pass on the link to your friends and family. We know that discussions are happening about what the future 'normal' might look like. How many of the enforced changes to services will be kept in the future? Tell us your views about what you would like to see. The more voices we hear, the stronger our message to commissioners and providers of services can be.

Know someone who would like a paper version of the survey? Please get in touch on 0161 667 2526 or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk with contact address details. We will post a survey, with a FREEPOST envelope for return of the completed survey.

Thank you.

Helplines

Here is a list of some new/extended services:

Samaritans - have launched a new Self Help App. This new app can be downloaded free from https://selfhelp.samaritans.org where members of the public can sign up for an account. It also provides links to other support for those in crisis. Samaritans keep any information confidentially. Please pass the details on to anyone you think may be interested.

As well as launching the new app, Samaritans has also created new online resources for people who are supporting someone who is struggling that include practical ways for people to look after themselves when they are supporting others.

Respect for all are launching a new helpline. Respect for All are a counselling service for individuals with learning disabilities and or autism. Respect for All are still running their counselling service ( currently via phone or video), but they have been given some extra funding to provide a helpline during this difficult time. The helpline is free and open to all in Greater Manchester - call 0161 532 4075 . The helpline will be staffed by trained and experienced counsellors. Many of the counsellors have lived experience of autism and learning disabilities and so they offer unique expertise. For more information visit the website www.respectforall.org.uk/counselling/home

Being There Tameside - Telephone befriending service for individuals in Tameside with a life limiting illness. The offer is a listening line for people to have a chat, share worries or concerns. Contact via 0161 271 1373 or 07709 522631. More information is available on their website https://beingthere.org.uk/

Citizen's Advice Greater Manchester - out of hours helpline. Our Helpline is available for all GM residents to call Monday to Sunday from 7pm to 10pm on 0161 850 5053. Calls are charged at local rates. This service will increase access to generalist and specialist advice in:

• Debt and Money Advice
• Welfare Rights and access to Benefits
• Housing and Mortgage
• Employment