Hull City Council is to launch a community response hotline to support the city’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus outbreak.
The local authority will make contact residents who are identified as the most vulnerable within the city to offer support to those who need it.
A contact number is being set up for those who do not have a support network in place for tasks such as shopping, dog-walking or accessing essential services.
The Government is in the process of issuing letters to 1.2 million people nationally who, due to health conditions, may need to take additional measures to restrict contact with others.
The community hotline is expected to go live later this week and will ensure those in most need receive support from Hull City Council, its partners and community groups.
The hotline is also being created to build an army of volunteers, along with council staff, to support the city’s communities and its residents.
Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The local authority is truly committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents.
“We are doing everything we can, within our ability and available resources, to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“This dedicated hotline will be available for those who need support or if you know anyone who requires extra help. We need to offer a friendly hand of support to ensure we all remain safe and well.
“We have been overwhelmed with the level of support from the public and our partner organisations and we are truly grateful. We are now co-ordinating a network of support to ensure we can help those who need it.
“It is important we all stay safe, take care of each other and do everything we can to protect ourselves and our NHS during this outbreak.
“These are unprecedented times and normal life is rapidly changing for us all. By working together we will get through this. We and the city will become stronger as a result.”
Residents who need support are urged to call the hotline later this week to register their details.
A plea has also been sent to local groups, community services or organisations that can support the COVID-19 relief efforts.
Groups set up with the intent of offering help through social media can also help – though people are advised to be vigilant as elsewhere in the UK, such networks have been used to exploit the vulnerable.
The council is urging residents to ask to see official identification such as a passport or driving licence and make a note of who is offering the support.
Find information on coronavirus-related closures here and cancellations here.
