Councils in Peterborough area preparing the shielded community for the new normal

Local authority and health staff at the Countywide Hub coordinating the coronavirus efforts in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire are gearing up for when the national shielding programme is paused.
By Andy Hubbert
Published 22nd Jul 2020, 06:11 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2020, 07:15 BST
The hub will be keeping a record of people who are extremely clinically vulnerable in case the R rate starts to increase and there is a need for people to shield once again. The hub will be keeping a record of people who are extremely clinically vulnerable in case the R rate starts to increase and there is a need for people to shield once again.
The hub will be keeping a record of people who are extremely clinically vulnerable in case the R rate starts to increase and there is a need for people to shield once again.

The officials, who are in regular conversations with the shielded community, have been undergoing training to ensure they are offering the best support possible in the run up to the shift in the shielding programme on July 31.

The training has focused on the various attitudes members of the public have towards the shielding programme pausing and recognising that while many people are ready to get out and about, others need additional support within their communities and a few will need continued support.

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Identifying who falls into which category has been key so conversations can be tailored to their needs.

Case officers are now working with their residents to provide support and a key focus is around ensuring people are able to access prescriptions and food, plus continuing to support with general wellbeing. Ensuring people were registered in order to receive priority shopping times and vouchers has been essential, according to the hub.

Adrian Chapman, Service Director for Communities and Partnerships at Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We know there will be many people who will feel anxious about the relaxing of the guidance and will need help and support to transition out of shielding and to move towards a new way of life, which of course will still include social distancing. For those people, the Countywide Hub will be there to provide that support. In addition, NHS volunteer responders will continue to offer support after the 31 July to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines.

“In addition, we will be keeping a record of people who are extremely clinically vulnerable in case the R rate starts to increase and there is a need for people to shield once again.”

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You can keep up-to-date with any changes to the services on their websites:

Peterborough - https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/disruption-to-council-services

Cambridgeshire - https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/disruption-to-council-services

Advice and latest information on Coronavirus can be found on both websites - www.peterborough.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Related topics:CambridgeshirePeterboroughPeterborough City CouncilCambridgeshire County Council

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