Corona Virus
Northumberland community shielding hub up and running
Northumberland County Council has now received information from the Government on its preparations for shielding our most vulnerable residents.
The Government has now established a system to ensure those most severely at risk of illness will receive free essential food parcels delivered to their front doors.
This follows the announcement by the Government of a partnership approach to bring together local and national agencies to support those communities who are deemed as clinically extremely vulnerable.
This new approach has been developed with urgency and pace, and the council will work closely with the NHS, food industry partners and the voluntary and community sector.
Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for the community and voluntary sector said: “The county council have a critical role to play in this, and we’re now pooling all our resources to keep our communities safe and protected.
“We are supporting the national effort with a local supply of emergency food parcels, to make sure that those at the highest risk who need support don’t fall through the net.
The council’s response has been swift and a community shielding hub has now been established and will operate from Blyth Sports Centre, with support from Active Northumberland staff, the military, and hundreds of volunteers from council staff to local residents, who have all offered their support.
Shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable residents is part of a national programme. If you think you fall into the category of extremely vulnerable and you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020 or been contacted by your GP, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician, in the first instance.
Daljit Lally, (pictured) the council’s Chief Executive added: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response from the public, who all want to do their bit to support our most vulnerable communities, for which we are extremely grateful.
“The shielding hub has been set up for the specific purpose of supporting the extremely vulnerable as part of the national programme in response to Coronavirus. These food parcels will be delivered on door steps over the coming days.”
The council is keen to support residents during this crisis, and it’s really important people know where to go for help and advice, to support themselves and their families.
For anyone struggling with support needs, and are unable to get help from family, friends or a local support group due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the council has set up a Community Response Hub as part of Northumberland Communities Together – please email northumberlandcommunitiestoget
However, If you are worried about a child or adult’s immediate welfare please use OneCall 01670 536400 – open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Link to video of Cllr Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for the community and voluntary sector – here
