East Devon District Council 'here to help' those in need during lockdown

East Devon District Council wants to make sure that its most vulnerable residents know where to come for help during lockdown.

The government is sending a letter to clinically extremely vulnerable residents where they will get guidance on what to do during lockdown and asking them to register online so they can request support from their local council.

We're here to help those who need assistance at this difficult time, whether you are clinically extremely vulnerable, if you are self-isolating, suffering financial hardship or in need.

If you need help, the council website has a wealth of information about how you can access assistance. You can read this information on the East Devon website.

If you are unable to find what you need, you can complete the coronavirus community support hub web form and the council will be in contact with you.

If you don't have access to the website or are unable to complete the web form, call the council's dedicated Coronavirus Community Support Hotline on 01395 571500 (open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

The council has a dedicated team who can help if you are, for example:

- Clinically extremely vulnerable

- Anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds

- Struggling financially due to coronavirus

- Not sure on where to go for help and advice

The council is working alongside more than 60 local community support groups and some town and parish councils, to help people find support.

They can put people in touch with commercial organisations, voluntary groups and others to help with such services as grocery and food orders, and deliveries.

Team members are also a friendly voice at the end of the phone for anyone who lives alone.

Relatives and neighbours of the vulnerable and elderly are asked to make sure that their relations and friends are aware of the support hub and everything it can offer them.

The council also has a hardship fund available for those who are affected by coronavirus and who may not be able to access funding or support from elsewhere.

The aim of the fund is to address the economic vulnerability and financial hardship being felt and to help rebuild the financial resilience of those affected.

The council will also consider using the fund to help anyone who is facing financial hardship and unable to afford food even if they have not been directly impacted by coronavirus, such as those who are struggling to provide meals to their children during school holidays or half term.

The fund can be used for many different things such as access to emergency short term support through shopping vouchers, utility top ups, paying for essential travel needs or essential advice and support services.

For more information about the hardship fund, see the council's website for more information.

Cllr Jess Bailey, who is the district council's portfolio holder for Corporate Services & COVID-19 Response & Recovery, said: "Many residents across East Devon will be worried about the national restrictions.

"Some of our residents will be worried about feeling isolated during this time, others will have financial worries and some may have practical concerns about accessing shopping or prescriptions.

"At East Devon District Council, we are here to help and we urge you to contact the hub with your concerns. If the hub cannot help directly it will point you to the right agency or organisation that can."