Calderdale Council offer support to the extremely vulnerable

Around 1.5million people in the UK have been identified at being at risk of serious illness if they catch Covid-19.

For their safety and wellbeing, those deemed as vulnerable have been told by the NHS to self isolate for at least 12 weeks.

To ensure that people can access the support they need, Calderdale Council is coordinating a support network. The system will identify vulnerable residents and provide them with the appropriate support.

Those with high needs will be supported by the Council’s social care team, which will be boosted with extra staff redeployed from relevant services.

For those needing more basic support, such as help with prescriptions and groceries, volunteers from the Council's virtual volunteer hub will assist.

The virtual volunteer hub has been set up as part of the Council’s 10-point plan to respond to COVID-19 and is safely and effectively managing the numerous offers to help maximise support for communities, working alongside its voluntary and community organisation partners.

The Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift, said: “Recent events have really tested the limits of the kindness of Calderdale residents, but as usual, the community spirit has been unwavering and we continue to receive many offers of support from people to help those in need.

“In these difficult times, getting hold of essentials like food or medication can be increasingly hard for our most vulnerable, especially those who have no family or friends to help.

“We’ve already had so much interest in volunteering opportunities and we’ll now look to identify those who will benefit most from these kind offers of support.”

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher, said: “Although we’re now all required to stay at home except for very limited purposes, this guidance is particularly strict and important for the extremely vulnerable, who are at higher risk of developing complications if they contract COVID-19.

“It’s so important that these extremely vulnerable people follow the advice in the letter they will receive from the NHS, which includes remaining at home at all times.

“Ignoring this advice could have incredibly serious consequences, so I urge the extremely vulnerable to accept offers of support from friends and family or ask for help from the Council if needed.”

Several people have set up groups to support neighbours and friends during this difficult time. The Council has put together some guidance about doing this safely and in line with the latest public health guidance. For more information, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/coronavirus under the Volunteering section.

If you have any questions about how to volunteer safely visit the Council's website or email [email protected]

For up-to-date advice on protecting the extremely vulnerable and for the list of conditions considered to be at high risk, click here.

To tackle the impact social distancing may have on resident’s well being, the council has recommended the following charities and organisations:

OpenMinds CalderdaleCall 01422 300 001.

Whether you’re a young person, parent/carer or professional looking for information and advice about coronavirus, OpenMinds has dedicated support to help you. OpenMinds have great support tools for children and young people.

Healthy Minds CalderdaleCall 01422 345154.

Healthy Minds is a Calderdale local mental health charity. They’re dedicated to providing support and offer a range of services to help you find what works for you to improve and maintain your emotional health and wellbeing.

KoothCall 01422 300 001.

Kooth is a free, safe anonymous online counselling and support service for children and young people aged 10 to 25. Young people can access Kooth’s counselling service and self-help resources, such as ‘10 ways you can manage coronavirus panic.’

Unmasked Mental HealthCall 01422 730002.

Unmasked provide a safe stable regulated platform, for users to communicate with each other, create bonds and friendships. Download the free app available on IOS and Android.

Andy’s Man Club

Twitter | Instagram: @andysmanclubuk, Facebook: /AndysManClub.

Andy’s Man Club is a peer support group for men. They’re using their closed Facebook groups to keep in contact with members. Follow them on social media to find out how you can access support.

Every Mind MattersCall 111.

nhs.uk have provided advice and tips on how to maintain your mental wellbeing whilst staying at home. This includes things you can do to maintain your mental wellbeing and how to deal with anxiety about the coronavirus outbreak.

SamaritansCall 116 123.

Samaritans have gathered some helpful resources if you’re worried about how COVID-19 is affecting the way you live during the outbreak. You can also call them free, day or night, 365 days a year.