Find out what’s happening in Dorset to protect people who are at most risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).
Many vulnerable people in Dorset will have recently received a letter from the NHS, telling them they are at high risk of catching coronavirus and advising them to stay at home and strictly self-isolate for 12 weeks.
We know that living under such restrictions will cause concern for people who do not have any nearby support, and we want to give reassurance to any Dorset residents who this may be affecting.
We are rapidly putting plans in place with our partners from across public, voluntary and community and charity sectors to give you the help you need.
A Dorset COVID-19 Response Hub has been set to help people:
- have enough food, basic household items and access any necessary medication
- continue to receive support from our help and support services in a safe way
- feel supported and know how to access help
I am staying at home because of coronavirus. How do I get help?
If you have been identified as someone at high risk, you should follow the advice given in the letter you received from the NHS. You should talk to family, friends or your support network to see if they can help you get food and medicine.
Central Government is sharing information with us about people who have registered as extremely vulnerable because they do not have anyone close by who can help them. We will be making direct contact with these people very soon.
Dorset Council’s COVID–19 Response Hub
If you don’t have family, friends or a support network that can help you get the things you need, the response hub has a dedicated helpline that can provide additional help and information. You can call 01305 221000, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Dorset Council portfolio holder for Health and Adult Social Care, Cllr Laura Miller said:
“We are doing our very best to make sure that those people who are identified as extremely vulnerable because of the coronavirus will be fully supported.
“If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable because they are self-isolating and cannot get access to food or medicine, they have care needs or are at risk of loneliness and isolation call the helpline and trained staff can help you get the things you need.”
If you do not receive a letter from the NHS but still need help and support to get essential supplies, you can find more information on volunteer organisations on our website www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus or by contacting Age UK on enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk or 01305 269444. You can also register to volunteer on the website.
For more general enquiries on help and support or how the coronavirus might affect services at the council, you can call our customer services team on 01305 221000. Lines are open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.
