A few updates…
The leader of FDC sent out the following… last night
As of tomorrow morning (if on schedule) 8,067 letters should be received by post by all identified over 70s in the Fenland district to make them aware of the new county-wide COVID-19 coordination hub, and that the local FDC hub is here to help. If the letters don’t arrive tomorrow they will the day after.
This is completely distinct from the 1.5million letters being sent this week to the most vulnerable “shielded patients” from information provided from the NHS, although some will undoubtedly receive both letters.
The Fenland hub will coordinate support activity throughout the district, linking those who have been advised to self-isolate and those who fall within the vulnerable groups listed by the Government to volunteers in their local communities who are able to help.
The hub will focus on signposting access to food, medicines and other supplies in the first instance, as well as organising a friendly phone call to anyone feeling lonely. If the Council doesn’t know of a service that can help we will work towards a solution (such as the NHS and social care). As part of this work the Council is also liaising with relevant customers in the County wide hub when needed.
Anyone who needs help will be able to call the hub on 01354 654321 or email: [email protected] The call centre is open between 09:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday. The 654321 number has had its capacity significantly enhanced in the last 48 hours.
At the same time FDC is asking any volunteers, existing community groups and new groups – such as coronavirus support groups on Facebook – to register their support so it can be added to the hub data. They can register by filling in a survey at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/796WZW3
This is where Whittlesey Town Councillors can give the most valuable help to the hub in the next 24 hours: please use the survey monkey to inform the hub of volunteering which organisations you are involved with are currently doing, and please pass the survey monkey info to any other volunteer groups whom you think may be able to offer help, including any which have sprung up locally in the last few days on Facebook or elsewhere.
FDC sent out a press release a few hours ago regarding the letters to over 70s and volunteers’ survey.
You can find out more about the county-wide hub at: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/reach-outand-help-us-battle-coronavirus-together
