Practical Support

During these unprecedented times, many aspects of our day to day lives have been impacted. We’re bringing you practical information on how to cope during this crisis.

Cash

Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are all offering companion cards to vulnerable customers. Companion cards are given to a trusted person of the vulnerable individual, which the trusted person can use to do shopping for them. The card can be topped up by £100 every 5 days and £50 worth of cash can be withdrawn from ATMs. The card is also linked to the trusted person’s bank account for security reasons. Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are also offering free cash delivery services for all vulnerable individuals. To order a companion card or delivery of cash, please phone one of the following numbers.

Royal Bank of Scotland’s dedicated vulnerable customer line: 0800 051 4177

Ulster Bank’s dedicated vulnerable customer line: 0800 092 4238

Relay UK: 18001 03457 242424

Cash

Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are all offering companion cards to vulnerable customers. Companion cards are given to a trusted person of the vulnerable individual, which the trusted person can use to do shopping for them. The card can be topped up by £100 every 5 days and £50 worth of cash can be withdrawn from ATMs. The card is also linked to the trusted person’s bank account for security reasons. Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are also offering free cash delivery services for all vulnerable individuals. To order a companion card or delivery of cash, please phone one of the following numbers.

Medical Appointments

Most GP and hospital appointments are now being conducted via phone or video. For immediate medical support, you can call NHS 111 as well. If your case is urgent, A & E is still open and you are still advised to attend if you need. For further advice on attending hospital with an IMD, please see here.

Postage

You can buy stamps and labels for parcels online after which you only need to drop your parcel or letter off. You can buy stamps and parcel labels here (Opens in new window).

Prescriptions

For those who are shielding, you will be able to nominate someone to pick up your prescription for you or your pharmacy can nominate a volunteer to deliver your prescription to you if someone else cannot do it for you. You can recruit a volunteer to deliver your prescription by calling your local pharmacy who can organise this for you. Your local council may also be able to help with delivering your medicines to you. To see if this support is offered by your local council, please visit their website. For medical equipment from hospitals, you must contact your hospital’s medical team to see how they can deliver your supplies to you.

Retail

Most high-street retailers are still operating online and offering delivery. However, expected delivery times from many retailers has been extended and some retailers haven’t moved their business online.

Support

During these challenging times, access to support services is more important than ever. You can see the support services offering advice and help for a wide variety of situations here. You can also reach our helpline for support on 0845 241 2173 or contact@metabolicsupportuk.org

Testing

If you are an unpaid carer or an essential worker (Opens in new window), you have priority access to testing for coronavirus. You can apply to be tested here (Opens in new window).