The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline has been launched today – Hantshelp4vulnerable - call 0333 370 4000 available seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm.
Vulnerable residents who need additional support, and do not have support from family or friends, should call the helpline to register for support. The county council will resolve complex cases and will pass on most other enquiries to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council as the local community hub to arrange support, such as deliveries of food.
Maria said; ”One of things people are most concerned about is being able to get help if they find themselves unable to go out to shop for food or pick up medication. This new helpline will help reassure people who are vulnerable and unable to rely on friends, family and neighbours, that help is at hand. This help line will help fill the gap for those unable to get that support and also identify other frail and vulnerable residents.
“Over the past two weeks I have been working directly with Covid 19 Community Action and Spotlight a local Basingstoke charity to help them identify secure access to food and funding so that they can increase the number of people that they can support locally. I am pleased that Spotlight has now been identified by Basingstoke Council as a key charity to deliver help in this emergency situation.
“I would like to thank all the people involved in running our local community groups for the work that they are doing to support others in these difficult times.”
The Basingstoke Foodbank continues to provide food for those unable to afford to purchase food for themselves.
Spotlight received the first delivery of food from Hampshire County Council this afternoon, which was arranged by the government.