Support helpline for vulnerable Islanders
The helpline that we set up in March remains in available to anyone who might need support as we enter this second lockdown period.
If you were advised that you are a clinically extremely vulnerable person to Covid-19 previously, you will shortly receive a government letter advising you of the steps to take to register any support needs.
In addition we’ll also be in touch in the coming days to check whether you have any support needs and how to contact us.
Call (01983) 823 600 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and between 10am and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays for support. You can also email contact.centre@iow.gov.uk.
This helpline is for anyone who needs help because of self-isolation, who is alone with no local network of friends, family or neighbours and needs support, who feels vulnerable and may need assistance with:
- help to access pharmacy delivery services and health care needs;
- access to online delivery services or small essential shopping requests;
- signposting to partner agencies for support with issues arising from isolation including welfare, finance, mental health, childcare issues, crisis advice and support or other caring responsibilities.
The council has also committed extra money to the ‘Help Through Crisis’ scheme which is already operating on the Island to provide crucial help to those Islanders struggling to afford food and other essentials during the pandemic.
The service is provided on the council’s behalf by Citizen’s Advice Isle of Wight.
What we can we all do to prepare for lockdown
Download the council’s useful self-isolation planning guide to help you and your household to prepare for lockdown, with links to services, hints, tips and guidance.
Have you had to self-isolate before now? Would you be willing to share your story with us and help others to cope with lockdown? Email us at communications@iow.gov.uk.
‘Shielding’ guidance updates
If you or someone you know was previously shielding, please see the latest guidance on the government website for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Stay at home from 5 November
From Thursday 5 November, you must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes. These include:
- for childcare or education, where this is not provided online
- for work purposes, where your place of work remains open and where you cannot work from home (including if your job involves working in other people’s homes)
- to exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place – with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).
- for any medical concerns, reasons, appointments and emergencies, or to avoid or escape risk of injury or harm – such as domestic abuse
- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which should be as infrequent as possible
- to visit members of your support bubble or provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.
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