East Lothian Connected Communities Resilience Bases

East Lothian Council has established a network of Connected Communities Resilience Bases across the local authority area to support vulnerable people or those who are self-isolating and have no other local support.

Staffed by the council’s Connected Communities staff, the six bases (one in each ward) are coordinating the despatch of essential goods including food, sanitary products and hearing aid batteries.

Provision of food is the key issue being dealt with by the bases. Many people who are struggling financially – they may have lost their job and are awaiting Universal Credit/benefits payments – need emergency food supplies for their families. Many who are self-isolating and have no local family support are needing assistance to get grocery and prescription deliveries. Cooked meals are being prepared for delivery to those who require this with the support of several professional chefs who are no longer employed in restaurants due to COVID19.

The six Connected Communities teams are working closely with local volunteer community resilience groups, other community groups such as Community Councils, Area Partnerships and third sector organisations to deliver an amazing range of ‘good neighbour’ activities to help provide vital support to ensure people’s wellbeing during the COVID19 emergency. Social isolation is affecting many people’s mental health and so regular checking in and befriending services are being recognised as particularly beneficial as the lockdown continues.

The shielding cases identified by government are being proactively contacted by the Council’s contact centre staff to check that people have the support they need and are linked in with local community support arrangements. A huge amount of work is being done by volunteers working with council staff, who the council have described as ‘outstanding’.

East Lothian Council's Connected Communities Resilience Bases
East Lothian Council Resilience BaseDonation box at East Lothian Council Resilience BaseStaff at East Lothian Council Resilience BaseStaff at Connected Communities Resilience BaseDonations box at Connected Communities Base