Right now, many people fear losing their jobs; for so many, it has already happened.

As the furlough scheme comes to an end, there could be more job losses. This is causing huge anxiety all round.

If you are in this situation, you must not blame yourself. Try to seek help as early as possible. There is no shame. Many industries and jobs have been lost due to the Pandemic. This could not have been predicted.

If you are struggling with the financial impact of the pandemic, please remember that the following organisations are there to help & they are experienced at assisting people in difficult times: – 

• The Citizen’s Advice Bureau has re-opened at ‘the Hub’, 50 Rigby St, Salford, M7 4BQ. This is by appointment only. You can contact them on 0300 3309 074 (9am-4pm) or by email on their website www.salfordcab.org.uk
• The Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Prestwich is at 7, Fairfax Road, Prestwich, M25 1AS. You can contact them on 0161 773 7835 or 0844 826 9320. They can be reached through www.citizensadvice.org.uk  *
• The Paperweight Trust can help with application forms for benefits etc. if you find it hard to complete forms or find them overwhelming, as many of us do. They also help people who are worried about debts, with bank correspondence, landlord tenancy issues and they provide a family law clinic. They are at 0161 507 5480 or email [email protected]
• If you are concerned about paying your rent/mortgage or utility bills, Shelter provide helpful information via their website (https://england.shelter.org.uk/) and also offer a free telephone advice service. They also offer face-to-face appointments if required (including debt advice) and free legal representation in court if facing eviction (subject to eligibility).
• There are kosher foodbanks available at [email protected] or tel. 0161 792 6335; also email:  [email protected] or check their website www.jgift.org/services Ideally contact your local Council Community Hub first. They are then able to give more funding to the foodbank. For Manchester City Council Hub see https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-for-residents-and-vulnerable-people/
• For Social Services and support visit The Fed at www.thefed.org.uk   or tel 0161 772 4800 (option 2).

Please accept all help offered. It is also important to share your anxieties with your family and/or trusted friends. They should not feel any differently about you because you have such difficulties and may even have experienced similar difficulties in the past.

If the situation worsens, seek help again. 

If there is any opportunity for you to re-train or gain extra qualifications, try to take it. Jewel is a Jewish organisation offering employment support and training opportunities. They can be contacted via their website www.thejewelfoundation.org.uk . Linkedin is also a helpful resource for networking (www.linkedin.com) and there are many free online courses available which can help you to develop new skills (try www.futurelearn.com & www.coursera.org). This way you will be better ready to find work when the jobs market improves again.

If you feel low in your mood and/or anxious, this is understandable. However, if you cannot shake off these feelings and feel low all the time, please seek help from your GP or through one of the voluntary organisations in the community, such as:

• JAMH (Jewish Action for Mental Health) at their website www.jamh.org.uk or tel. 07510 204 844 or email [email protected]
• Neshomo Befriending Service at 07741 625345 (Men) or 07512 578587(Women) or visit their website at www.neshomo.co.uk

With time the situation should improve, hopefully putting you in a position to help others in your turn. We all have times in our lives to help and to be helped.

*Other Citizens Advice Contact Details:

Trafford and Stockport tel. 0300 330 9073

Manchester 03444 111 222

(By Dr Jackie Lewis and Salford Healthy Communities)