Hundreds of people in Angus are being helped by a new website and phone number launched to support those who due to serious health conditions are unable to leave their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its first week, the Humanitarian Assistance Angus Response Team (HAART) received over 400 requests for help through the website and phone line. Staff have also contacted over 1,100 people directly to offer support with food delivery, delivery of medicine, finance support and general wellbeing.
The HAART’s immediate focus are those who live in Angus who have been identified by the NHS for "shielding" as among the 200,000 across Scotland who have critical illness and been told to self-isolate for a recommended period of 12 weeks, as well as older people and people severely affected financially.
Angus Council’s partners working to deliver this new service include Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, ANGUSalive, Voluntary Action Angus (VAA) and other agencies in the Community Planning Partnership, alongside NHS Tayside and food banks. Online applications and calls are being answered by colleagues from Angus Council and partners from across Angus including VAA and other agencies in the Community Planning Partnership.
Margo Williamson, Chief Executive at Angus Council said:
“Sadly, not everyone has a family member, friend or neighbour who can help during this time of physical distancing and isolation. In the short time the Humanitarian Assistance Angus Response Team (HAART) has been up and running, the outstanding staff from across partner organisations in Angus have been working together to make sure we help those who are shielding, along with those who are vulnerable or in isolation, and may be struggling financially and emotionally to get the help and support they need.
“My colleagues in Angus Council have been contacting people directly who received a shielding letter from the NHS to make sure they are aware of the Tayside Cares website and phone line, what services are available and just to check they are ok.
“The number of calls and website applications we’ve received in the first week highlights the importance of this service to provide a vital lifeline for vulnerable and isolated people who really need it. I would urge anyone who is shielding and who needs urgent food or medicines to get in touch with us.”