The Government has now confirmed its preparations for shielding our most vulnerable residents, and has now established a system to make sure those most severely at risk of illness, receive free essential food parcels delivered to their front doors.

This new approach has been developed with urgency and pace, and the council is working closely with the NHS, food industry partners and the voluntary and community sector.

The council has established a community shielding hub with support from our partners Active Northumberland, the military, and hundreds of volunteers from council staff to local residents, who have all offered their support.

We are supporting the national effort with a local supply of emergency food parcels. These parcels will be delivered directly to the doors of those affected starting from Sunday 30 March 2020 onwards, as part of a rolling programme of deliveries.

Those who are at very high risk of serious illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) due to underlying health conditions, are being advised to take extra precautions by ‘shielding’ themselves from others. 

Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable by reducing interaction with others.
 
Please see the shielding letter in Brisith Sign Language (BSL) below:

 

Yes, If you have a medical condition which makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), you need to register and tell the Government whether or not you need support.

More information about medical conditions which make you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19)
 
You may have received a letter from the NHS telling you that you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, or been contacted by your GP or hospital clinician. If this has not happened, contact your GP or clinician after you register with this service.
 
Please register here on the .GOV website.
 
Please note that it may take time for any support offered through this service to arrive. Wherever possible you should continue to rely on friends, family and wider support to help you meet your needs.

For anyone struggling with support needs, and are unable to get help from family, friends or a local support group due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the council has set up a Community Response Hub as part of Northumberland Communities Together

Please email northumberlandcommunitiestogether@northumberland.gov.uk, or call 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week.

Find out more information about Northumberland Communities Together here.
 

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