Valley council launches support for vulnerable residents during COVID-19 outbreak

Ribble Valley Borough Council has launched a new initiative to help those most vulnerable in the borough throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Ribble Valley Community Hub will offer support to those in the Government’s outlined high risk categories. This includes those over 70 and others with underlying health issues who are self-isolating and don’t have the support of family, friends, or neighbours.

The council is working in partnership with residents, community groups, businesses, partners and the voluntary sector to provide help and support with everyday needs such as obtaining food parcels, shopping and collecting prescriptions, housing, financial and debt advice, and preventing loneliness.

Residents needing additional support or wanting to volunteer their time or services to help those in need in their local community should call the council hotline on 01200 414597 during working hours (9am to 5pm). Alternatively, there are online forms available on the council’s website ribblevalley.gov.uk/communityhub for both those requesting help and those seeking volunteering opportunities.

Callers will be asked for details and will either be signposted to the relevant local group, or be linked with a service or volunteer who can offer support.

Coun. Stephen Atkinson, leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “Our borough prides itself on its strong community spirit and now, more than ever, we need to tap into that and look after and support each other. Our staff are working hard to ensure the response team is ready and equipped to help those who most need it. There is some wonderful work already going on in the community and we are not duplicating this, we are looking to see how best we can support it, spread the word and share messages about what’s out there.

“Many people who are in self-isolation have the help of friends or family to make this difficult time a little easier, but some people don’t. The Ribble Valley Community Hub will make sure these people are not left alone. Support is available and our team is ready to help.”

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