County council knocking on doors of vulnerable residents
The checks are in addition to outbound calls to people who are particularly vulnerable to being hospitalised as a result of Covid-19 and are being shielded. They have been ongoing for several weeks in partnership with district councils. So far, more than 13,000 people have been contacted by telephone to make sure they have support in place.
The door-knock checks have been planned over four weekends and include delivering a leaflet with the county council’s customer service centre number and a free copy of The Yorkshire Post weekend paper.
Kevin Mort, a passenger assistant from Malton who was out checking on people last weekend said: “Everyone we checked on is getting help from their family or neighbours, taking them stuff in. They were managing fine, which is good. People were thankful that we were out checking, even though they’re getting help.
“One lady said it was nice to have someone coming round and asking. I’ve been helping my neighbour, she has family but I’ve been getting bits for her too. For people who can’t drive it’s difficult to get out anyway. You don’t see a lot of people to talk to because of social distancing but we’re all looking out for each other like most communities.”
Those in need of help who don’t have anyone else to call on, or anyone concerned about the welfare of someone else, should contact North Yorkshire County Council’s customer service centre on 01609 780780. The centre is open seven days a week 8am-5.30pm including bank holidays.
