Highest Clinical Risk Group
The letter people receive includes a link to register online with the national shielding database if they do not have anyone to support them (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable). Local advice is that people should register without delay, even if they do not require any support at present. The data they provide will be used by the national food delivery service if they have requested support to access food, and will also be shared with their Local Authority shielding hub, who will contact them if they have asked for additional support. If someone has an urgent welfare need, they should not hesitate to contact their local shielding hub on the numbers that the primary care team will be emailing to practice managers this week, which in North Devon, is North Devon Council.
Anyone in need (including those in the highest clinical risk group)
You can submit a live referral to NHS volunteer responders for an individual that needs support or an NHS service, providing they meet the referring criteria either online or on 0808 196 3382.
Volunteers can provide:
-
Check in and chat support – short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation (note, this is not mental health advice);
-
Community support – collection of shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home;
-
Patient Transport – transport to take patients home who are medically fit for discharge.
-
Health at home – is a webpage that gives an overview of NHS services that are available, such as how to order repeat prescriptions online and get them delivered
-
Public Health England have provided some guidance on looking after mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic
-
Local councils are working with voluntary sector organisations and local communities to support residents in the response to COVID-19. Here is a summary of the local voluntary services across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
-
The government has provided advice on employment and financial support on their website