Covid support hub steps up efforts to help the vulnerable at greatest risk from virus

South Tyneside Council has reinstated its Covid-19 Community Support Hub to help those identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV), who are living on their own without any other support network such as family, friends or neighbours, to help with access to essentials like food and medicines.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, deputy leader of the council, said: “Once again, there has been a national call to people with serious underlying health conditions to take extra measures to keep themselves safe during this second lockdown.

“We would like to stress that those residents most at risk are not being asked to ‘shield’ again, but to follow new less restrictive Government guidance to minimise their exposure to coronavirus.

“The new measures aim to strike a balance between protecting high risk residents while reducing some of the potentially harmful effects of previous strict shielding guidance on mental and social wellbeing by enabling them to still enjoy the outdoors.

“We understand that this will be an anxious time for those people who live alone and have no other means of support such as family, friends or neighbours to turn to.

"For this reason, we have stood up our Covid-19 Community Support Hub, with a dedicated team of staff redeployed from their usual duties to ensure those affected are once again supported during times of crisis.”

The council is working with voluntary and community organisations to provide support and has started contacting people in the group.

Help will include:

*Digital support to register for priority supermarket delivery slots

*Accessing essential food and basic supplies

*Additional care for those who live alone and don’t have family, friends, neighbours or social care services for support;

*Welfare checks by the Council, if needed

*Signposting to financial or welfare support, befriending services, mental health and support from voluntary organisations.

The Government is writing to people who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) with new guidance on how to protect themselves from coronavirus.

Vulnerable residents, who have no other means of support, can call the hubon (0191) 424 7474, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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