MORE than 10,000 people in Newark and Sherwood in the over-70s age group are being contacted to ensure they have the vital help and support needed during the on-going Coronavirus pandemic.

The letters, sent out by Newark and Sherwood District Council, set out the help that is available for residents who feel in need of urgent non-medical support.

They are addressed to all those residents aged over-70 and will be sent out in two batches with the first batch being received this week and the second batch being delivered next week.

Anyone who has concerns about a vulnerable friend or neighbour can get in touch with the District Council via the Nottinghamshire Community Support and Volunteering Hub by emailing enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk in the first instance or by calling 0300 500 8080 if they do not have access to the internet.

Trained staff and a support network of volunteers are on hand to assist. The Hub coordinates national voluntary services working in Newark and Sherwood, local volunteers and community groups, forming a link between residents needing help and those able to provide it.

Where community volunteers are unable to assist or in more complex cases, residents will be directed to the District Council’s Humanitarian Assistance Response Team (Hart) for the support they need.

The help and support available from volunteers includes:
•Safe and well checks, befriending
•Dog walking
•Social contact/ virtual befriending
•Food and medicine collections
•Standard health and social care
•Covid-19 support.

Council leader Coun David Lloyd said: “We want to ensure that nobody is left in need of support in our communities as a result of the current Covid-19 lockdown and the restrictions that it has brought. We would simply say ‘Please get in touch and we will be there to help you’.”

Earlier this month, the District Council, through its Humanitarian Assistance Response Team (Hart), joined forces with a number of partners, including Morrisons, the British Red Cross, Ikea, Newark Town Council and local shops and market traders to ensure food and other essentials is distributed to ‘isolated’ residents.

It has ensured food parcels are being distributed to those who are most in need – families and individuals who have identified themselves as needing help with food deliveries and including older people, families with disabilities and families on low income. Newark Town Council is working with local market traders to ‘top up the food parcels’ immediately prior to delivery with fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.

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