Support continues for those shielding in North Yorkshire

Although the Government is easing some lockdown restrictions and people who are being shielded are now able to leave their homes once a day for fresh air and exercise, Government advice for anyone in this group at this critical stage in the COVID-19 pandemic is to maintain strict social distancing.

Gary Fielding, the county council’s Director of Strategic Resources, said: “Anyone who is at an increased risk of being hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 should remain at home, but we want to reassure people who are being shielded and those who are self-isolating that our support for people who do not have anyone else to call on will continue.”

In a coordinated joint effort with district councils, North Yorkshire County Council has been working with 23 community organisations the length and breadth of the county which have been coordinating the voluntary sector in their locality, providing a safety net of support for those with no-one else to turn to.

Those who have needed help with shopping, prescriptions and other essentials but haven’t had anyone to call on, or anyone concerned about the welfare of someone else, has been able to contact the county council’s customer service centre on 01609 780780. The centre is open seven days a week 8am to 5.30pm and that support will continue.

Thousands of outbound telephone calls to make sure that people who are being shielded have support in place have been ongoing for several weeks in partnership with district councils. The vast majority are getting help from family, friends or neighbours but there are currently 3,427 shielded residents who need support with shopping and other essentials.

“North Yorkshire is known for its great spirit of generosity so that for those with no immediate network of support, we have been working with districts and selected community organisations to deliver that support through our great volunteers in their local area” said county councillor Carl Les, North Yorkshire’s Leader.

“This has been a lifeline for thousands these past weeks and we want to reassure people who still need the support that it will continue to be there. Government advice for anyone shielded or needing to self-isolate is not to go shopping or attend gatherings and if people do not have a network of family, friends or social groups to help them we will continue to provide that support.

“We are moving into another phase where some lockdown restrictions can be eased but if we are to prevent a second spike in infections we have to maintain social distancing and the two metre rule, regular hand washing, the avoidance of crowds and protection for the medically vulnerable.”

Find more information, including links to the main supermarkets for people who can shop safely for themselves.