We're here to help

Sunderland City Council is urging anyone who is shielding or self isolating or is feeling vulnerable, and needs help with shopping, medication or essential supplies to get in touch.

Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, Councillor Linda Williams, said: "We have been doing our very best to help and support residents throughout the pandemic and this is a continuation of everything we have been doing so far to support some of the most vulnerable in our communities."

"If you can't access food or medicines or need other support then we are here to help. That might be support with requesting priority supermarket delivery slots, it might be help with shopping or collecting prescriptions or it could be about supporting you with your general wellbeing.

"We have some fantastic volunteers and voluntary and community sector partners (VCS) who have been doing a brilliant job since we first put a call out for their help last March.

"They have been invaluable in helping us support the most vulnerable in our communities through the crisis, whether that's been checking on those who are shielding or helping people with their shopping or delivering medication.

"And we really want to hear from any residents who are shielding or self isolating or feeling vulnerable, who need our help, so that we can help them too."

People who have been told they are clinically extremely vulnerable will be receiving a letter from the government with more information. This will also advise them to shield during the lockdown, and register with the government service at www.gov.uk/coronavirus-shielding-support.

Anyone who is shielding or self isolating and needs help from the council can visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/coronavirus or call on 0800 234 6084 8.30am-5pm every day

Anyone who is interested in volunteering can also do so at: www.sunderland.gov.uk/volunteering