Published: Tuesday, 5th May 2020
Cannock Chase Council’s Community Vulnerability Hub has become instrumental in providing 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. Its main aim is to enable people to access essential foods and supplies and signpost to other support services.
Those people who contact the 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.
The Council will continue to refer individuals to the appropriate local support services or organisations, whose volunteers will be able to assist further. Support Staffordshire are also offering specialist support so referrals will be made to these where it is appropriate.
Staff will also be encouraging those that have been written to about the NHS Shielding programme to register. Everyone who has received a letter from the NHS advising that they are clinically extremely vulnerable should register if they need any extra support. Individuals can register online or call 0800 028 8327.
Since its launch last month, the Community Vulnerability Hub has provided support for approximately 160 households within the District as well as carrying out the Council’s statutory service of providing support for rough sleepers and the homeless.
In addition to this the Council’s Housing Maintenance team has been an integral part in the implementation and delivery of the Community Vulnerability Hub supporting local businesses and the wider community. Staff have been taking direct calls from people needing support as well as collecting and delivering PPE and food parcels across the District. This is also being supported by other members of staff who are volunteering.
Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council, said: “Staff across the Council are going above and beyond their normal duties and doing all they can to support their local community during this unprecedented time.
“As the coronavirus outbreak continues, communities across the District have come together to support their families, friends and neighbours. There has been a great sense of community spirit which has been instilled into the delivery of the Community Vulnerability Hub.
“The Hub has been a great resource in making sure our most vulnerable are getting the support they need. Local community groups and organisations across the District have played a huge part by working together with the Council to achieve this”.
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.