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Community Support for those affected by the Coronavirus

27th of May, 2021

Do you need extra help during the Coronavirus outbreak – or do you want to offer a helping hand?

Help for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

Ribble Valley has moved into national lockdown alert level and the guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable has been updated. The updated guidance can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Every person classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable will receive a letter from Central Government setting out this guidance.

A new national online service has been created- the National Shielding Service System (NSSS) which enables Clinically Extremely Vulnerable People to register to:

  • request access to a priority supermarket delivery slot (if you have already got priority supermarket deliveries, you will keep them)
  • tell your council if you need support to follow this guidance, especially if you are unable to arrange this yourself or with the help of friends, family or other support networks
  • make sure your details, such as your address, are up to date

Residents who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are encouraged to register on the NSSS system as this enables access to priority supermarket delivery slots. You can register your detail at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-shielding-support

You will be asked for your NHS number which you can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you, or on a prescription. It is helpful if you register even if you do not have any support needs at this time. You can log in and update your needs if circumstances change at any time.

Vulnerable People

Residents within the Borough who are not clinically extremely vulnerable but are who are facing difficulties, worries and loneliness because of Coronavirus can get help from Ribble Valley Borough Council.

There is a dedicated phone number to help the most vulnerable people in the community who are facing difficulties, worries and loneliness because of Coronavirus. If you are needing additional support, please call the council on 01200 414597 for all other enquiries please ring 01200 425111.

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer within the borough the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Voluntary Support (CVS) have launched The Volunteer Hub. This is an online platform to register to volunteer in the community with the CVS and other organisations in the area. There are many different roles with different organisations available. The details can be found at hrvcvs.co.uk/the-volunteer-hub

NHS Volunteers

NHS Volunteer Responders are also available to help with things like collecting shopping, medication, or other essential supplies and with transport to medical appointments. They can also provide a regular, friendly phone call which can be provided by different volunteers each time or by someone who was previously advised to shield and will stay in contact for several weeks. More information is available at www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk  or you can call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm.