What can I do to help my family, friends and neighbours?

• Please follow the latest advice from the government in relation to self-isolation, to protect yourself and others

---

Wherever possible people who are self-isolating are being encouraged to ask for help from family, friends, and neighbours. We would encourage everyone who can help others to let their family, friends and neighbours know if they are available and what they can do to help.

The type of help which could be offered includes:

• collecting and delivering shopping – leaving deliveries on the doorstep or safe place to avoid close physical contact
• suggesting local shopping options and trusted suppliers
• collecting and delivering prescriptions if you are the nominated person registered with the GP
• caring for pets
• regular social contact via telephone, FaceTime, skype calls or other methods that will avoid physical contact (offering to call your neighbour who can’t get out so they have someone to chat to on the phone could make all the difference)
• encouraging people to contact others in the same situation by linking people together
• delivering books and magazines or materials to support hobbies such as wool for knitting or art materials
• reassuring people with accurate and up to date advice and information
• signposting people to other sources of help if needed

What else can I do to help?

We are aware that informal networks of volunteers are being set up within the district.

• Lancaster district CVS is asking people to complete an online form to coordinate these efforts. If you’re able to offer support, please register your interest and someone will then be in touch to discuss your interest or your offer
• If you can’t donate your time but would still like to help, an urgent appeal for financial donations has been launched. This is to help provide financial support for those organisations that are providing support for vulnerable people
• Local foodbanks are also grateful for any donations you may be able to provide, particularly from any cafes and restaurants that have perishable stock that they need to dispose of

I need help and support

There are a number of local organisations offering support to local people in need. They include:

• Morecambe Bay Foodbank offer emergency food and support to people in crisis
• The Olive Branch supports vulnerable local people and those who are socially disadvantaged
• Stanley’s Community Centre in Harbour and Heysham North Wards are offering food delivery through their food club on a Tuesday evening as well as telephone support on 01524 410076
• Marsh Community Centre is providing telephone support on 01524 843300 as well as food club services and distribution on Thursdays
• West End Impact are offering telephone support and advice on 01524 888929 or email info@westendimpact.org.uk – they also offer takeaway food in Harbour / Heysham North on Thursdays and Sundays   

Information for voluntary organisations, charities and community groups

The city council is in the process of establishing a district-wide voucher system for emergency food that will cover all charities, community centres, churches, schools and vulnerable individuals.

Community partners are being asked to provide the following information to assist in making arrangements:

• Your organisation name
• Staff contact(s)
• Contact details (email, phone address)
• Your logo if possible
• Details of whether you are currently operating and what those hours are

Please email these details to lancasterdistrictcovid19@gmail.com so that we can collate a list of those organisations who would like to be able to refer clients. We will also have a hotline for organisations on the front line who can call with any questions: 01524 932001.

Last updated: 27 March 2020