Help and Support Available for Residents

  • Test Valley Community Helpline from Unity

    We have been working with Unity to build a list of local community groups that are helping those who are self-isolating due to Covid-19 and require additional support. These groups can assist with a range of requests, from shopping and prescription collections to befriending.

    If you have family or friends who are in good health and live nearby, then please do ask them for assistance in the first instance, simply so we can make sure that the community groups are able to prioritise those in greatest need.

    To find your local support group please visit their website:

    www.unityonline.org.uk/covid-support-groups/

    Alternatively you call the Unity helpline on: 0330 400 4116

    Download a copy of their poster here (pdf, 450kb)

  • Keeping Active

    No gym….no problem, our leisure operators are still working hard to support you to be active in your own home throughout the centre closures. Simply log into the Places Locker App today to access hundreds of free workouts brought to you by Places Leisure and Les Mills.

    https://www.placesleisure.org/blogs/home-workouts/

  • Managing your waste

    During the pandemic, our waste collection teams are working hard to ensure normal service continues. However, you can play your part by helping to reduce your waste, holding off on any garden jobs and reusing some of your waste. Here's how:

    • Home composting - For more information on composting all manner of garden waste, you can visit our webpage, here.
    • Use grass cuttings as mulch in your plant beds.
    • Cut up and compact your garden cuttings and clippings as much as possible to reduce volume and store until you can visit your Household Waste Recycling Centre.
    • Postpone some of your garden jobs until the coronavirus pandemic is over.
    • Cut down cardboard boxes and other recyclable products so more can be placed in your brown recycling bin.
    • Store any excess waste from DIY projects and spring cleaning at home until it can be disposed of safely and legally.
  • Council Tax - Hardship fund

    Test Valley has agreed new measures to help families with their Council Tax through Covid-19:


    Struggling to Pay

    If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax then please contact Test Valley Borough Council at www.testvalley.gov.uk/ContactRevenues or call on 01264 368000 and we will work with you to agree payment options. If possible, please have your council tax number to hand.

     

    Direct Debit – Non billable months

    If you’re on a 10 month direct debit then it is possible to opt for payments to be deferred for two months by moving these to February/March 2021.

    If you're currently on a 12 month direct debit plan then we can condense your payments over 10 months, so you don't have to pay anything for two months.


    Council Tax Support Scheme

    If you’re on a low income you may be entitled to help with your Council Tax bill by applying for a reduction under the Council’s Council Tax Support Scheme. Please refer to our Claiming Benefits page.

     

    Covid-19 Hardship Payment

    The government has allocated almost £600k of new grant funding to Test Valley Borough Council to support economically vulnerable people and households in their local area. Working age residents who benefit from our current Council Tax Support scheme will receive up to an additional £300 to reduce the amount they have to pay for 2020-21.  Those households eligible for this reduction have automatically been re-billed.

    For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/council-tax-covid-19-hardship-fund-2020-to-2021-guidance

  • Advice for safeguarding vulnerable adults during self-isolation

    We want to make sure that the most vulnerable are safe when they are self-isolating. Here are some things to think about if you are offered, or need, support during this time.
     
    Try to use existing and trusted community groups. If not, could a family member, friend or neighbour who you know and trust help?
     
    Not sure? Don’t answer the door If you’re not sure about an offer of help, ask the person to leave details and talk to someone you trust about it.  
     
    You can contact Hampshire Adults’ Health and Care on 0300 555 1386, or out of hours: 0300 555 1373, if you need support or you feel unsafe.  In an emergency, call 999.   If someone is in immediate danger call 999.   
    If you are worried about a child, call 0300 555 1384