Coronavirus: Fenland communities thanked for providing ‘lifeline’ to elderly and vulnerable
and live on Freeview channel 276
Cllr Chris Boden said people’s support for their neighbours, family and friends has been overwhelming and heartwarming, demonstrating the true strength of Fenland’s community spirit.
Hundreds of people are being helped through the council’s COVID-19 response hub – with more than 1,000 calls being handled in just two weeks.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCllr Boden said: “It is more important than ever that we work together to support those who are alone and in need of help during this pandemic.
“We are working with 83 different agencies including the voluntary and community sector, town and parish councils and businesses to help deliver our response hub. The hundreds of people that have called the hub have been able to find a reassuring voice at the end of the phone and find solutions to the issues they are facing, thanks to this magnificent partnership working.
“And there are thousands more who are being supported by their neighbours, family and friends. People are reaching out to offer help, providing a real lifeline to those who live alone or are self-isolating. To all the volunteers, groups, agencies and individuals who are helping us get through this together, I thank you.”
The council’s response hub focuses on helping those who have no other support available to them. It can help with food shopping, collecting medicines and other supplies, and friendly phone calls for anyone feeling lonely, by providing details of local voluntary groups and services which can help. It can also provide information on coronavirus advice and guidance.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe hub also liaises with other statutory, voluntary and community organisation partners to ensure other needs, including health and social care, are met as quickly as possible.
One caller named Helen, from Kent, messaged the council to say: “I would just like to send a massive thank you to your community hub! A member of staff provided advice for support that can be provided to my elderly grandparents who we are unable to see due to living in Kent.
“I have now been able to arrange for them to have some shopping delivered over the next few days, so thank you again.”
The response hub is open six days week, from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to noon on Saturdays. Requests for help can be made on 01354 654321 or via email at: [email protected]
For more information, guidance and advice, visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/coronavirus.