We can help if you are one of the people in the shielded or highly vulnerable group and don’t have anyone around to help you with things like food shopping or essential supplies.

These people need to self-isolate to stay safe due to the increased risk of needing a hospital stay if you contract coronavirus (COVID-19).

NHS England or your GP will contact you if you fall into the shielded or highly vulnerable group of people.  These are people who are at increased risk of complications from the Coronavirus and include the following:

• people with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD)
• people on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection
• people with specific cancers
• women who are pregnant.

You can visit the GOV.UK website for a full list of conditions of people who need to be shielded.

If you haven’t heard from the NHS or your GP and you’re included in the list of people who need to be shielded, you should register on the GOV.UK website.

If you fall into this category and have friends, family or neighbours who can help you with things like doing your shopping or by looking after pets then you should ask them for help.

If you don’t have friends, family or neighbours nearby who can help then you can contact us for support.

Supermarkets and food banks

Many supermarkets are offering support to those who have been identified as vulnerable. If you need more information on the specific support visit your normal supermarket’s website.

Food banks

If you are unable to afford food due to your current circumstances, you can access support through the food banks.

For details of the different food banks covering different parts of the borough visit our food bank page.