Over 750 people identified as extremely vulnerable in Warwickshire have received support packages this week thanks to amazing efforts from services across the county. Many more will be going out over the next few days.
In Stratford-on-Avon District deliveries have been made to 260 properties across the district.
Since the Government advised people with serious underlying medical conditions to shield themselves from COVID-19 by isolating for 12 weeks, Warwickshire's public, voluntary and community services have worked around the clock to set up support structures for them.
They are contacting Warwickshire residents in this group to find out what support they have from family, friends and neighbours so those without help can get food, medicine and emotional support at this time.
The services have joined forces to establish a local helpline and distribution centres around the county to ensure people have access to vital supplies. This was set up in the space of a just a week and over 750 parcels of support have already been distributed.
It has been a huge coordination task between the county's six councils, emergency services, the Fire and Rescue Service, Police, CCGs and the voluntary and community sectors, supported by military planners. The results of these efforts are being warmly welcomed by these clinically vulnerable people.
And it's not just food that is being provided, included in the packs are leaflets and advice to give people emotional support at this difficult time. Guidance to help people stay as physically and mentally well as possible at this time is provided as well as signposting to services that can accessed remotely such as libraries and heritage to keep people engaged with their communities.
Part of the initiative involves supporting the distribution of medicines and community transport and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is helping pharmacies to deliver prescriptions to people.
The work will continue in earnest throughout the isolation period and a Government supply chain via food distributors will ensure supplies for these people.
Next steps for Warwickshire are to develop a system to conduct regular and effective welfare checks to keep in touch with people and provide ongoing support which will wrap around the food deliveries. Public services are also looking to extend the scheme to others identified as in need at this time.
Anyone identified as extremely clinically vulnerable without social support can call the Warwickshire hotline on 0800 4081447.
