New distribution hub created to get supplies to most vulnerable

This is all thanks to the help of amazing council staff, local supermarkets, local volunteers, and parking enforcement officers from APCOA, who provided cars, vans and mopeds to make this happen. 

The work is part of the Essex Resilience Forum (ERF) - made up of all public sector organisations in the county – which is tasked with ensuring that people with the most serious health conditions across Essex, Southend and Thurrock are shielded from social contact for 12 weeks during the peak of the epidemic. These people have been contacted by the NHS and offered food package deliveries.

Given the importance of social distancing and the most at risk being able to stay in their homes, public and voluntary sector resources across the county are also providing assistance to a larger group. These are residents who are also vulnerable during the peak of the epidemic, and include residents over the age of 70 or pregnant women, and who do not have the support of friends, family or neighbours.

These residents will be contacted by their GP surgeries from Monday March 30th by text message.

Do you need support?

If you feel like you need support please contact the EWS via www.essexwelfareservice.org or by calling 0300 303 9988 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm and Sat-Sun 10am-2pm). Alternatively, please call Southend Coronavirus Action on 01702 212497 – this is the council's local hub and is providing the local infrastructure to deliver supplies to people and ensure that no-one slips through the net. 

Would you like to volunteer?

Southend Coronavirus Action has called for the help of volunteers, with 400 signed up already – you can sign up to volunteer in Southend-on-Sea too by visiting www.southend.gov.uk/CoronavirusVolunteer.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Leader of the Council, says: “We are delighted to support the national effort and I am very thankful to all our partners, staff and volunteers that are delivering this on the ground through Southend Coronavirus Action, and ensure that people without support will be looked after.

“If someone needs helps locally and does not have support in place, please call 01702 212497.”