Published on:
06
April 2020
A new Clackmannanshire Council helpline to assist those most at risk in our communities during the Coronavirus outbreak has launched.
From today (Monday 6 April ) vulnerable Clackmannanshire residents who may need extra help and support will be able to contact our Community Support Team on 01259 452275 or by email at CommunitySupport@clacks.gov.uk (leaving their contact details) for assistance.
The helpline will be available seven days a week from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm at the weekends, and the team will take details of the support that people require.
This helpline is part of the Council’s response to assist vulnerable people during the Coronavirus outbreak, including those who have received a ‘Shielding’ letter from the Scottish Government. These are people who are at the highest risk of severe illness from the virus, as identified by Public Health Scotland. Clackmannanshire residents who are in this category should also receive a letter from the NHS.
In addition to the helpline, the council’s Emergency Decision Making Forum (EDMF) agreed on Friday (3 April) to make £20,000 available from its emergency fund to help CTSi continue to provide support to local organisations who are helping vulnerable residents who are self isolating and can also be used to support volunteer costs such as fuel. CTSI has already provided £500 of emergency funding to a number of community groups.
Cllr Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council said: “We want to do whatever we can to try and provide support and assistance for the most vulnerable residents within our community.
“The helpline is a way for our most vulnerable residents to let us know what kind of support they need during this difficult time. I know that many people are lucky enough to have family, friends and neighbours nearby who can help them, but that’s not the case for everyone.
“In addition to this, we know that voluntary organisations coordinated through the CTSi are also working together to provide support and assistance and the £20,000 emergency funding we have provided will allow these voluntary organisations, to continue to provide vital and valued services to the community.”
“Their support will assist the Council in its role as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies legislation.”
Anthea Coulter from CTSi said: “CTSI has been working closely with Clackmannanshire Council staff over the last two weeks to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable and high risk are met.
“The council has recognised that the third sector and in many communities, the voluntary sector has stepped in and been working incredibly hard to meet local needs and this new funding will help address the costs that many of these local anchor organisations are covering presently. We hope that the funding will continue and that the communities are applauded for their amazing work and partnership approaches."
These services will be prioritising assistance to those vulnerable residents who do not receive assistance elsewhere.