Published: Friday 17th April 2020 | 11.36am
Cannock Chase Council has launched a COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Hub to provide targeted support for those most at risk during the coronavirus outbreak.
Cannock Chase Community Vulnerability Hub is targeting local residents considered most at risk as well the Council’s most vulnerable housing tenants. This will include residents who have no family, friends or trusted neighbours they can call upon during this unprecedented time. A new logo has been designed to identify the Hub.
Its main aim is to enable people to access essential foods and supplies and signpost to other support services.
The Council has set up a response system for those people asking for support, or who have been referred by Staffordshire County Council, where they are self isolating and do not have support from family and friends.
Those people who contact Cannock Chase Council will receive a phone call from a Council staff member to discuss whether they require any support. Cases will be assessed on an individual basis so people can be advised where to get help.
Those able to pay for their shopping or in need of pharmacy or social support will be referred to the Chase Coronavirus Support Network (CCSN), whose volunteers are able to assist. Other organisations are also offering specialist support so referrals will be made to these where it is appropriate.
Those residents who are struggling financially will be referred to the local food banks in Cannock and Rugeley.
If these are not suitable solutions, the Hub has a limited stock of supplies which can be delivered to people. The Council’s Hub will complement the services already being provided by other organisations.
The Council is purchasing goods for this service and is being supported by Staffordshire County Council for some groups, but further donations from local businesses and public sector organisations are being welcomed.
Donations are kindly being made by local supermarkets including Tesco in Heath Hayes which recently donated 30 packs of essential supplies. These have already been distributed to vulnerable people across the District over the last week. Other local supermarkets are also supporting the initiative.
Council staff are volunteering to support this work and will be undertaking key roles such as telephoning those identified as vulnerable to ask if they need help, whether they are already receiving support through the NHS or are being supported by family, friends and neighbours.
Staff will also be delivering food and other supplies to people’s homes throughout the District and working in the distribution centre the Council has set up. Staff will also be encouraging those that have been written to about the NHS Shielding programme to register.
George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council, said: “As the coronavirus outbreak continues, communities across the District have come together to support their families, friends and neighbours. We know there are continued concerns for the vulnerable and elderly, who are at a greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19, which is why we have developed this additional resource to help support those most in need.
“Unfortunately, there are some illegal scammers operating at the moment, so please be aware and only trust family, friends, neighbours, people you know and legitimate companies. I would like to reassure you that the Council will not be asking for any payment and will not be asking individuals for their banking or financial details.
“It is important to note that we will only be contacting people who already receive assistance or support from the Council”.
Residents who would like further information on how the Hub can help them should get in touch by calling Cannock Chase Council on 01543 462621 or emailing CV19Public@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest updates during this difficult time.