Community support available during lockdown

Published: 6 November 2020

Anyone in need of extra help and support during lockdown should contact Exeter Community Wellbeing on 01392 265000.                

The government has announced a four week national lockdown until 2 December, and many people are now navigating what the latest advice means for them.

Exeter Community Wellbeing was set up by Exeter City Council and Wellbeing Exeter to assist individuals and community groups to help and support each other during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The hotline has remained active since March and capacity has now is been increased to make sure demand is met for the current lockdown.

Exeter Community Wellbeing can help people with things like:

• Arranging priority food delivery slots from local supermarkets
• Delivery of essential supplies
• Food vouchers
• Collecting and delivering prescriptions
• Wellbeing check-ins by phone
• Connecting you with people or services who can offer further support

Cllr Amal Ghusain, Lead Councillor for Communities and Culture, said: “I was extremely proud of the way in which the whole community came together to support each other both during the first lockdown and since then.

“We are now in a second lockdown, and I know people will come together to offer their help and support again.

“We don’t want anyone to be worried or anxious during this time. The lockdown is temporary, and we are all far better prepared than the first time round. So please take care of yourselves and others. The Council, Exeter Community Wellbeing and its partners and Local Area Team volunteers are here for you.”

Exeter Community Wellbeing has a wide network of partners and volunteers across the city who are ready to respond to enquiries as quickly as possible, to make sure everyone receives the support they need. In the last lockdown, solutions were often arranged for people within the day.

A lot of people will be isolating in the city. Many people who are considered ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ have been advised by the government to isolate at home for the full four week period.

There are many options available to support people in staying safe at home over the next four weeks, though it is worth noting that the national support package previously available to people who were shielded (the clinically extremely vulnerable), including food parcels, will not be available from the government for this lockdown.

Anyone with an urgent medical need should call NHS 111, or for a medical emergency call 999.

Please get in touch if you are:

• Isolating or clinically extremely vulnerable and require practical support
• In need of advice or signposting to a local group who can support you
• A friend or family member of someone who requires support
• A community group or volunteer offering support

Anyone who requires support or advice should contact 01392 265000. Lines are open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, with an answer machine option out of hours. You can also visit our website www.exeter.gov.uk/wellbeing.

Exeter Community Wellbeing is co-ordinated by a team including Wellbeing Exeter partners, Devon Community Foundation, Exeter Community Initiatives, Exeter City FC City Community Trust and Exeter City Council. Funding partners include Exeter City Council, Devon County Council and Sport England.