Following the success of SPIED, the project was granted a further three years of funding to continue to support the community of East Durham. Since COVID-19, SPIED changed rapidly to ensure that East Durham Trust could still support people in financial hardship as efficiently and effectively as before.  For example, many services SPIED offered beforehand took place face to face, however due to social distancing restrictions and for the safety of both our staff and our clients, we cancelled some of these services. SPIED offers: 
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• Benefits advice over the phone, including how to make a new claim, which benefits should be applied for and advise around the furlough scheme.
• Debt advice - Particularly to people who are claiming Universal Credit and are having large deductions taken off their benefit. General debt advice can still be given.
• Packed lunches delivered to children's homes - Aimed at families who find themselves in financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
• Emergency Food Parcels to local people in crisis.
• Supported shopping trips/prescription pick up - this service is for people who are isolated or shielding.
• Resilience Training - Delivered by MIND but now taking place over the phone.
• Chit Chat - Local people in isolation receiving a telephone call up to 3 times per week.

​If you feel you or someone you know may benefit from any of the above services, please call the Trust on 0191 569 3511 or email Helen - helen.waller@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk