Since the Council launched its dedicated coronavirus helpline over 1,200 of the most vulnerable people in Stockport have been offered support and advice.
The coronavirus helpline was set up for Stockport residents who do not have a network of family and friends they can call upon, particularly for people who:
- are over the age of 70 and are self isolating
- have received a letter from the NHS advising you are high risk and should stay at home
- are medically vulnerable according to the government criteria and should stay at home
- are experiencing food poverty or financial hardship
- are self-isolating due to illness
A wide range of support has been given over the past week including help with access to food, shopping and medication, help with finances and support available for those who are experiencing loneliness.
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of the coronavirus helpline’s call handlers.
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson, said:
This helpline was always about giving our most vulnerable people a direct line into the council to get the support they need in this time of crisis. I’m pleased that our residents have been able to access support, not just over the past week but also over the Bank Holiday weekend. It’s a testament to the hard work of council staff to continue to provide essential services and to ensure our most vulnerable people are supported during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“To ensure our most vulnerable people have access to this service, please only call the helpline if you do not have friends or family who can support you.
“I want to thank all the community in Stockport for everything they are doing to help others at this challenging time.”
The council also has dedicated webpages which are regularly updated with all the key government advice, local service information and what to do if you think you have coronavirus.