Covid 19 Community Support

Sheppey FM will remain broadcasting and reaching out to all of our listeners during this pandemic. So during isolation you can stay connected with the outside world and listen in for vital information letting you know what help is available. We are introducing new features from gardening tips, cooking recipes, children’s story time, a keep-fit session and a Sunday church service at 10am. We are broadcasting ‘live’ all day everyday and you can speak to a presenter, make a request or even send a loved one a message. Our presenters will be as interactive as possible to keep you company. However, because we have a number of volunteers in the “vulnerable” group and have put strict safety measures in place to protect all of our staff and volunteers, the shows and the presenters will often differ from what is published on this website, an up to date and accurate schedule is posted daily on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

In addition to this we have set up this page with all the key information you may need, this will be updated as soon and as often as possible. If there is any information we are missing that you feel we need to put out on air and on here, you can call the studio on 01795665898, the front desk on 01795664499, text 07938221617 or even email contact@sheppeyfm.org.uk

We are here for you so ‘Stay Safe’

Mental Health Support

The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence.
Call 116 123 – it’s FREE
Or email jo@samaritans.org.uk

For support in a crisis, Text Shout to 85258.

You can call the Rethink advice and information line Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm for practical advice on:

• different types of therapy and medication
• benefits, debt, money issues
• police, courts, prison
• your rights under the Mental Health Act.

Call Rethink on 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Call the

Mind infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably). Or email info@mind.org.uk.

SATEDA for women that may be feeling isolated and overwhelmed, even if they are not faced with domestic abuse, but especially if they are. email admin@sateda.org or telephone 01795417251/01795417760

Government Hotlines

Business support and ventilators

03304563565

HMRC for tax help and advice

08000159559

Universal Credit for benefit help and advice.

08003285644

School Closures

08000468687

Swale Borough Council

01795417850

NHS

111.nhs.uk or call 111

Foodbank Help

07984370392/07984370319/07984370336

Local Help

The Shurland is a collection point for food parcels to those in need.

Wellpets Vets Minster and Sheerness are giving away free pet food for those in need.

Facebook group “Swales Covid-19 community help group” are offering help with transport, grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking and anything else you may need.

Queenborough Food Bank call 01795668509 or email queenboroughtc@btinternet.com

Sheppey Matters with the help of Colin Ayers and Chiquita want help local charities and care homes with food parcels contact them on office@sheppeymatters.org.uk

Pubs/Cafes/Restaurants

From the 4th July some pubs, cafes and restaurants may be open to the public, details coming soon.

Local Shops Opening Information

All shops are running their own social distancing rules in line with the Government guidelines please respect these rules to protect yourselves.

In Sheerness the High Street and some of The Broadway will be shut to motor vehicles between 10am an 4pm Monday through to Saturday, this will be The High Street from Millennium Way to Victory Street, The Broadway from High Street to Trinity Place and Hope Street from the High Street to Hope Way. Although these restrictions have been put into place for safety and social distancing reasons we are finding that the locally owned shops and businesses are suffering. Please do what you can during these difficult times to help support these local businesses, they are really worth the walk from one of the very nearby town car parks or a leisurely stroll from home if you’re a Sheerness resident. Here is a list of some that you will find and what they provide.

Local Shops

Rob’s Greengrocers– quality fresh fruit and veg.
Monday- Friday 10am-3pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Deliveries available also call 01795662581, also on facebook.

Hagars Electronics
Monday to Friday 9am- 4pm
Saturday 9am-2pm

Kent Fresh Foods Butchers– Fresh and prime cuts of meat.
Monday- Saturday 7am- 3pm
Sunday 10.30am- 1.30pm

The Little Shop of This and That
Monday-Wednesday 10am-2pm
Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm
Saturday 10am-3pm
They have hand sanitiser and gloves available free to use for browsing customers.

Cuddles ‘n’ Bubbles Pet Shop
Now situated across the road in ‘Sunny’s Store’
Monday- Saturday 9.30am-3.30pm
Deliveries also available call 07931578026

Bitz & Bobs– Interior Furnishings, upholstery, curtains, nets and blinds, plus wool and all your sewing equipment and much more. Also do alterations on clothing as well as curtains etc.
Monday- Saturday 9am-4pm
Call 07865899171 or 01795664507

Gemini Jewellers
Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm

House to Home– All pre-loved goods and treasures, also antiques and DVDs etc.
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

Daisy Chains Florist– fresh flowers, all occasions.
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Delivery service call 01795580355

Black Cat Trading– Hardware plus lots more
Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
Sunday 9am-3pm

Boyce’s Bakery– freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes
Monday-Saturday 7am-4pm

Other Local Businesses Not On The Highstreet/Broadway

Car Home and Garden

Brians Euronics (offering deliveries and essential repairs)

Stones Garden Centre– for all your gardening and outdoor decor, also offering deliveries

CANCELLED Events, Services and Activities

Criterian, Bluetown All upcoming shows until further notice.

LD Events “Take That Show” at Oasis.

Sheppey Matters day trips.

Neighbourhood Watch AGM

Sheerness Conservative Club Line Dancing

Minster Park Run

Island Run

VE day at Queenborough (hoping to reschedule)

Rock n Roll club at Minster Working Mans Club

Song Signing

Co-Op Bingo

Blackburn Lodge day care centre

Curly’s Farm all activities

Sheppey Rugby Club All matches and training.

Dr Witts Surgery in Queenborough (patients to call Sheerness branch)

Hillton Dentistry

All Church Services

Community Appeals

Kent Wildlife Rescue are in need of cat food to feed 60+ hedgehogs, needs to be wet meat in jelly, no gravy or fish varieties because it makes them sick. Drop off to 106 Victoria Street, Sheerness. 07824893399.

Age UK Sheerness are asking for any surplus non-perishable goods that they can donate to the elderly people of Sheppey. They ask that anything you can spare to dropped off at the reception door of Rosemary House.

Wellpets Vets giveaway pet food to those in need but rely on donations from people, you can drop off pet food donations to either Minster or Sheerness branches of Wellpets.

The Shurland are giving food parcels to those most in need and are also accepting donations.

Swale Borough Council are seeking volunteers to help with deliveries of food and medicines to vulnerable residents in Swale. Please note that volunteers cannot be in one of the high risk categories set out by Public Health England. Training will be given, and social distancing measures will be followed by all temporary support and voluntary roles.