We have received many calls and emails over the past few days about what support is available to older or vulnerable people who are self-isolating and on their own or with limited support networks. We have also received calls about how people can volunteer to help such groups and individuals.  

We have been planning for significant numbers of people needing to
self-isolate and are working closely with District Council colleagues and
other partners in the community and voluntary sector (CVS) to develop plans for providing the support that people may need but who cannot
access support from friends, families and neighbours.

This will supplement the numerous local schemes that are already
appearing in neighbourhoods and to fill in the gaps – we do not want to
discourage any of these.  Our approach is to help coordinate the
organisations in the county to target those that are most vulnerable as best possible and it is recognised that the type of support will vary.

We will be directing Herts Help, our existing signposting service, to focus entirely on the response to Covid-19 and linking people up with relevant local organisations and volunteers.  

We will also ensure our Customer Service Centre is configured to
prioritise this work; they already work very closely with Herts Help.  

A new publicity campaign has been developed at pace and will go live this week to signpost the best sources of information including phone
numbers.  

We will be providing additional funding to the voluntary sector to allow them to mobilise a range of volunteers to support the response, whether it be to new roles or to supplement existing organisations.  

We will also be providing extra funding to Herts Independent Living
Service to allow them to increase the volume of meals on wheels that they are able to deliver to vulnerable people who are isolating.

In the meantime, if you receive referrals do use the county’s existing channels:

For people who may have eligible care needs:
Call the council’s call centre on 0300 123 4042 or go to
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/adult-social-services.aspx

For people who need support because they are self-isolating:
Call Herts Help 0300 123 4044 or go to www.hertshelp.net/hertshelp.aspx