North Tyneside Council’s safety net of support remains in place for those who need it.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the local authority has helped thousands of residents through its COVID-19 Support Hub.
With help from the community and voluntary sector, businesses and an army of volunteers, the council has provided non-clinical help to those who are unable to call on others for support.
A lifeline to many, it has included help with grocery shopping, household supplies, picking up prescriptions and purchasing pet food. The team have also made regular welfare calls for those who’d like one.
And the support will continue to be available for those who are self-isolating, either because they’ve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have tested positive themselves.
It will also continue for those who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to the virus, despite shielding coming to an end nationally this week, for the coming months.
North Tyneside Director of Public Health, Wendy Burke (pictured) said: “Self-isolation is critical in preventing the spread of coronavirus and we know people might need support in doing so.
“Our team will contact those who need to self-isolate to provide isolation advice, as well as offering support and checking they’re well.
“We’re also pleased to be able to continue with our support for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. Although shielding is ending this week, we know it’ll take people a while to adjust and we want to make sure the support is still there should they need it.”
For those needing to self-isolate, who can’t call on family or friends for help, support from the council will last for the 10-day isolation period.
The council is also administering the Government’s Test and Trace payment for eligible residents who are having to self-isolate and can’t work from home, or those having to take time off work if their child has had to self-isolate.
The hub’s opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and it is available by calling 0345 2000 101 or by emailing contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk.
More information about self-isolation payments can be found on the council’s website, here.
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