Help for those in need and volunteering

What to do if you need practical help with things like shopping and prescriptions, and how to volunteer.

Coronavirus - how to get help

If you are frail or vulnerable and need information, advice or practical help - or are feeling lonely, you can now contact the Coronavirus Hampshire helpline:

• 0333 370 4000

The helpline is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm for vulnerable people who don't have family, friends or neighbours that they can call on for help. Normal call charges apply.

You can speak to a friendly advisor about what you need and how the service can help.

This could be things like information or advice; help with shopping for essential food or household supplies; collecting your medicine; pet care, or support because you are feeling lonely.

Depending on what you need, your supplies or help may come from our local response centre in Rushmoor, which is being run by the council, the Rushmoor Voluntary Services and local charities.

If you need urgent food supplies, you can expect to receive a food box. Wherever possible, special dietary needs will be met.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need support, please email deaf.services.team@hants.co.uk or send a text to 07507 309322.

If you are 'extremely vulnerable

If the government has identified you as 'extremely vulnerable' to getting seriously ill from coronavirus because of an underlying health condition, like COPD, certain cancers and auto-immune conditions, or because  you are a pregnant woman with underlying health conditions, the NHS will have contacted to you to ask you not to leave home for at least 12 weeks.

If you do not have family and friends who can help, you can register for access to food, medicine and social contact on the Get coronavirus support as an extremely vulnerable person page on the government's website.

How you can get involved locally

If you would like to volunteer locally, you can register your details on the Rushmoor Voluntary Services website - thanks to everyone who has offered their help so far.

Keeping safe

It is vital that if you are giving, or receiving help, you take precautions to ensure your safety and those of others.

We urge all volunteers to follow the government's guidance on how to volunteer safely.

If you're receiving help

If you are receiving help, you should follow the government's social distancing and hygiene guidance.

Do not let anyone into your home, unless you have confirmation that they are a registered professional or representative of a recognised voluntary or community sector organisation. Be cautious and curious and ask volunteers for proof of ID.

Avoiding scams and rogue traders

At this time more than ever, it's really important not to get caught out by scams and rogue traders.

According to Hampshire County Council's trading standards team, known coronavirus scams include:

• People claiming to offer door-to-door or online testing kits. You're warned not to open the door or place an online order
• Elderly residents who are self-isolating being targeted for help with shopping. Only use trusted sources, like friends and families or call the helpline for advice
• Emails claiming to be from the government offering a tax rebate to support people through this challenging time
• Retailers overcharging for essential items such as toilet rolls

You can find out more about scams and false information on the  coronavirus resource page of the Connect to Support Hampshire website

Where to find more information on coronavirus

You can keep up-to-date with the latest government guidance on the Coronavirus section of its website.

If you're worried you have coronavirus, follow the advice on coronavirus on the NHS website.

(How to get help - translation in Nepali)