North East Lincolnshire Council is sharing further guidance for vulnerable or self-isolating residents who are struggling to get to the shops or access supermarket delivery slots.
For those who do not have friends, family or neighbours who can shop on their behalf, there are a number of other options available.
Many supermarkets, wholesalers and other retailers offer telephone ordering, food box delivery, prepared meal delivery and other ways you can get food delivered to your door. If you’d like more information on these options, please ring 01472 313131, option 0.
The Council has a number of online supermarket priority slots available with Tesco and Iceland for those who are clinically vulnerable or self-isolating, unable to get out to the shops and can afford to pay for their shopping. For more information and to check if you are eligible, please ring 01472 313131, option 0.
If you meet the criteria to get support from the NHS Volunteer Responders programme (the programme is open to anyone who needs to self-isolate for any reason) and don’t have friends and family to help, you can get assistance in accessing food, prescriptions and essential items. You need to call 0808 196 3646 and give your name, address, phone number and the details of your GP. You will then be put in touch with volunteers in your area who can go to the shops on your behalf. A carer or family member can also call on your behalf.
If you need urgent help, contact the NELC Covid-19 helpline on 01472 313131. We may be able to direct you towards other forms of support.
If someone is going to the shops for you, most of the major supermarkets have ways that you can pay on behalf of others, such as e-vouchers and gift cards.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“We have recently written to all of those who have been on the Government ‘shielded’ list to check that residents have the support they need as the national shielding arrangements come to an end on 31 July. If any resident needs any advice, guidance or support, because they have no one else to help them, we have access to a local network of local voluntary and community organisations and volunteers who can help with any support needs and accessing food delivery slots. This support, and the support offered by the NHS Volunteer Responders Scheme, is also available for those isolating because of COVID-19 symptoms, recent contact with someone who is ill or because of planned hospital care. Please visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/covid-19-advice-and-guidance or call the Council COVID helpline on 01472 313131, option 0”
Food Minister Victoria Prentis said:
“We know this is a really difficult time for a lot of people. If you are struggling to get the necessary food supplies, please don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“We are all in this together and there is support available. Local authorities, charities, faith groups and community groups are working incredibly hard to help make sure everyone can get food and other essentials. I also encourage people to make use of the NHS Volunteer Responders programme by calling 0808 196 3646 to be linked with a volunteer who can shop for them.
“I’m immensely grateful for the work that local authorities and others are doing and the government will continue to support this effort.”
Advice for the extremely clinically vulnerable or ‘shielded’ group
Those who have been identified by the NHS as clinically extremely vulnerable can make use of all of the above options.
Since 6 July, those who have been asked to shield, due to being clinically extremely vulnerable, can spend time outdoors in a group of up to 6 people (including those outside of their household). Extra care should be taken to minimise contact with others by maintaining social distancing.
From 1 August, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable will be advised they can go to work or to the shops, as long as they are able to maintain social distancing.
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