Leaflets drop promoting support service

Published: 1 April 2020

People in Exeter will receive a leaflet through their door over the next few days explaining how they can get involved with a new support service during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Last week saw the launch of Exeter Community Wellbeing, set up to offer help and support to communities including those individuals who are self-isolating as a result of the virus.

The support service has been set up by Exeter City Council and Wellbeing Exeter.

Fifty-two thousand leaflets will be delivered to all homes in Exeter from today (Wednesday 1 April) explaining how people can get involved, either as a volunteer or to receive help as a vulnerable individual.

Exeter Community Wellbeing is a light touch ‘matching’ service linking people who need help with local people and groups who want to help. More than 600 people have already contacted the service, including 285 individuals seeking help.

It is stressed however that if people are feeling unwell or showing signs of the virus they do need to contact NHS direct either by calling NHS 111 or visiting www.111.nhs.uk

A call centre has been set up for Exeter Community Wellbeing and a website and telephone hotlines established to gather information from people and organisations who want to offer their help and support to the community response.

Exeter Community Wellbeing want to hear from the following:

• Individuals, community groups or networks who would like to offer activities or support
• Community groups supporting people in relation to Coronavirus who would like information, advice, resources or funding
• Community organisations offering staffing or other resources
• Individuals, families, organisations or companies offering help and resources
• Residents who would like practical support because they are self-isolating because of coronavirus
• Anyone caring for or aware of someone, who would benefit from practical support because of coronavirus

To get involved people need to go to www.exeter.gov.uk/wellbeing  where a simple on line form can be completed. Those unable to go online can call 01392 265000 between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 12 noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

A £1 million community action fund has also been launched by Exeter City Council and Exeter Chiefs Community Foundation to enable community groups and organisations to get rapid access to small grants to allow them to work on local projects to support those people and communities most affected by the pandemic. £20,000 has already been allocated to a number of groups offering support during the pandemic.