In the wake of the Coronavirus emergency a team from Warwick District Council has worked quickly to set up a ‘Shielding Hub’ in order to distribute weekly food boxes to local residents who are on the government register and unable to leave their homes.
The district’s team is amongst dozens of Warwickshire public, voluntary and community services and members of the public who are pulling together to support those in our society who are unable to help themselves at this time.
Working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and supported by the voluntary and community sectors, police and the military, the Warwick District Council team has rapidly established a network to distribute essential items and co-ordinate wider support to clinically vulnerable people who are self-isolating.
Distribution of free food parcels containing essential items including milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables, cereal and tins began this week, in a community wide operation which is being led by the Council’s head of Cultural Services Rose Winship and Community Safety & Partnerships Manager, Liz Young. Around 25 Warwick District Council staff have now been deployed to sort and pack the boxes and make deliveries for the new service.
The Leader of Warwick District Council, Andrew Day commented;
“These are unprecedented times and I am very pleased that this Council has been able to respond rapidly to this constantly evolving situation. Over the coming weeks the ‘Shielding Hub’ will provide a vital lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community.”
Additional Information
Anyone identified as extremely vulnerable and without access to existing support networks can call the dedicated support number 0800 4081447 for support and advice.
The Warwickshire local welfare scheme can also help people at times of unavoidable crisis when they have no other means of support. The scheme provides basic and essential help for food and energy and more information is available at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme. People can check if they are eligible and apply to the scheme by calling 01926 359182 or emailing warwickshirelocalwelfarescheme@warwickshire.gov.uk with their contact details.