A new community hub in Harlow is helping vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis.
The service is being run by Harlow Council and Rainbow Services and can be accessed via a hotline 01279 927005. The hotline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and 10am to 1pm on bank holidays and weekends including every day of this Easter bank holiday. The hotline is being staffed by council employees.
The hotline is taking calls from residents who require help due to the coronavirus and do not have family and friends to support them with buying or accessing food or with other support needs. Rainbow Services are coordinating the volunteer effort to help provide the support required at this difficult time.
The hub has taken over 855 calls since it was set up. Referrals are also being made to local advice organisations and the Essex Welfare Service which is supporting residents across the county. Council staff are also staying in contact with different community service users and contacting residents where they can to offer help through the hub.
The hub has been set up to primarily help those without a support network or internet access and who have been told to self-isolate through a letter from the NHS. Many of these residents are serious ill and cannot leave the house. Support is also offered to anyone who is vulnerable, for example those over 70, families in crisis, pregnant women and carers who can’t get out, but only those who have no-one else to help.
Councillor Mark Ingall, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “I am extremely proud of the way the community and council staff have responded to supporting residents during this national public health crisis. I have heard of the lengths our staff and volunteers are going to help people in need and it makes me very proud that we are here for our residents at this time.
“We want to make it our mission that no one from Harlow gets left out or missed when it comes to needing support at this time. Our hub along with the county-wide hub and other community projects around the town and the efforts of our different council services means that I hope no one will get left behind. To date the hub has kept up with demand and this service is going to be even more vital over the next few weeks and months.
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Leader of the Opposition, said: “As someone who has been told to shield myself at this time I know how difficult it is to be cut off from the outside world. However I’m fortunate that I have family around me who can help me get the things I need. Sadly there are many residents in our town who don’t have someone or can’t get online or they just don’t know who to turn to. This support that the council, Rainbow and other local volunteer efforts are providing will ensure that the most vulnerable residents will get the support, help and reassurance they need to get them through this difficult time. The delivery of a food parcel or hearing a voice on the end of the phone will make the world of difference for someone who is at home on their own. The hub’s support will also make sure that the ill and vulnerable stay at home rather than go out.
“Residents and local organisations are working tirelessly to keep people safe and well; their effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak are making a real difference on the ground. The Harlow Community has risen to the challenge.”
Jemma Mindham, Chief Executive of Rainbow Services, said: “Rainbow Services (Harlow) has always had the aim to support those most in need in Harlow and we have refocused our resources to work with partners including Harlow Council and Harlow Volunteer Centre to do just that in these times of crisis. We have mobilised volunteers, businesses and voluntary sector organisations to work together to provide information, support and connection to people in self-isolation across the town, including delivering food and essential parcels with partners including Harlow Foodbank and Community Embrace CIC. We are also able to collect prescriptions and offer telephone check ins and chats. We have been overwhelmed with offers of support and have been contacted by 101 people wanting to help and have provided support to 252 vulnerable residents. None of this is possible without the amazing community spirit which exists in our town. “
If you need help or you know someone who needs help and is vulnerable please phone 01279 927005. Messages can be left outside of working hours.
More information on the hub is atwww.harlow.gov.uk/coronavirus/community-support
