Corona Finance
Tips from Rainbow Money Advice
The Quids In! magazine helps people find ways to make money go further.
They have written very clear financial guidance, which is particularly useful during these difficult times.
See this link to their website: https://quidsinmagazine.com/
Advice about Benefits, Debt, and Budgeting can also be obtained from Rainbow Money Advice.
Phone Stuart (available on Tuesdays and Thursdays) on 07981 760 399 or email moneyadvice@barnetcp.org.uk.
Council Tax
Tips from Rainbow Money Advice
March sees the first signs of Spring when leaves are budding and birds are chattering.
March is also when we receive our Council Tax bills!
Did you know that you can pay your Council Tax in 12 monthly instalments?
Most of us pay Council Tax in 10 instalments from April to January, with two free months in February and March. However, you can pay Council Tax over 12 months.
By paying over 12 months you will lose the free months. However, you can pay a lower amount every month – and many people find that an easier way to budget.
If you want Barnet Council to spread your payments over 12 months it is best to contact them before the April instalment is due.
To contact Barnet Council:
- Phone: 020 8359 2000
- Email: local.taxation@barnet.gov.uk
- Post: Barnet Council, Local Taxation, PO Box 237, Erith, DA8 9HJ
Further information about Barnet Council’s Council Tax (including Council Tax Support, discounts and exemptions) can be found on the back of your Bill and by following this website link www.barnet.gov.uk/council-tax
Advice about Council Tax can also be obtained from Rainbow Money Advice. Phone Stuart (available on Tuesdays and Thursdays) on 07981 760 399 or email moneyadvice@barnetcp.org.uk.
COVID-19 HELP
Read this for information about free Covid-19 support from: voluntary groups, central government and Barnet Council:
Voluntary support
There are several voluntary groups that provide free support for people needing help self-isolating (e.g. picking up shopping, sending post, or a friendly chat).
Details can be found by following this website link: https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/
Details of a Finchley service are shown below. They also have volunteers in postcode EN5 and will provide support for people living there. Phone 07565 321 508, email finchley@mutualaid.co.uk, or request assistance at helpme.mutualaid.co.uk
Central Government support
Help is available by following this link to the government website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
This is for people to register if they have a medical condition that makes them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, they’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food.
If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway.
This service is free. You can register yourself, or register for someone else.
Barnet Council
If you, a family member, friend, or close member of your community are in need of urgent help that is not medical related, then contact Barnet Council through their urgent support helpline.
Email: COVID19support@barnet.gov.uk
Phone: 0808 281 3210
This phone line is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Further information is available from the Barnet Council website via this link:
Felix Project today
Well done to our dedicated volunteers Sarah and Jeanette – no stopping them!!
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
THE FELIX PROJECT will continue to operate at the Rainbow Centre – food bags can be picked up from the Centre on Thursday mornings for families/people registered for the project.
RAINBOW MONEY ADVICE – open for PHONE/EMAIL consultation ONLY. There are no face:face meetings at the centre with Stuart, our money advisor. Contact Stuart on TUES and THUR on 07981 760 399 or moneyadvice@barnetcp.org.uk.
ALL OTHER BOOKINGS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE RAINBOW CENTRE HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE TIME BEING.
THE EASTER LUNCH CLUB will provide food for families on the project – families will receive text messages regarding this next week.
HELP US HELP EVERYONE
If you or someone you live with has the virus or is suspected of having it or having been exposed to it and you need our services, please contact us in advance rather than coming in. We will aim to support you – e.g. by making special arrangements for you to pick up a weekly food bag.
If you need to self-isolate and you know someone who needs support around this, contact one of the local Covid-19 Support Groups that have been set up all over the country. Find the Barnet Group on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215636692879586/
The Rainbow Centre during the Coronavirus Crisis – what’s open/what’s closed
Status WED 18 March 2020
The Centre is OPEN, but not all activities/services are running
OPEN:
- Felix Project food distribution
- FRI morning Toddler Group – open THIS WEEK to consult about the next few weeks
- Counselling sessions
- Rainbow Money Advice – open for PHONE/EMAIL consultation ONLY. There are no face:face meetings at the centre with Stuart, our money advisor. Contact Stuart on TUES and THUR on 07981 760 399 or moneyadvice@barnetcp.org.uk.
Our partners are currently running:
- Barnet College Art Classes
- A1 Social Care – current course is running
- Muslim Prayer Meetings
- Sunday Church Service
Check with these organsations/groups directly about their sessions/activities and plans for the next few weeks – they will have information sooner than we do.
CLOSED:
- Mixed Martial Arts Sessions – will not take place after WED 18 March
- Thursday Takeaways
- Junior Leaders
- Art Against Knives’ Dollis Dolls nail bar
- Diabetes workshops
There won’t be a full lunch club during the Easter holidays – watch out for more information shortly.
OUR MEASURES
Additional cleaning is taking place and we are following other government guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard all centre users, staff and volunteers.
All centre users and partner organisations are asked to follow these measures as well.
HELP US HELP EVERYONE
We aim to keep the centre open and maintain as many services as possible as we know they are more needed than ever at the moment.
If you or someone you live with has the virus or is suspected of having it or having been exposed to it and you need our services, please contact us in advance rather than coming in. We will aim to support you – e.g. by making special arrangements for you to pick up a weekly food bag.
If you need to self-isolate and you know someone who needs support around this, contact one of the local Covid-19 Support Groups that have been set up all over the country. Find the Barnet Group on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215636692879586/
