Important Information for you and your communities you support

Many residents have been shielding during the lockdown period. The government has relaxed advice to those shielding. This may cause some concerns and everyone needs to be aware that it’s still a matter of personal choice. We will be issuing more guidance as soon as it comes through, but in the meantime, if you, or someone you know, still need help and support to get food, medicines or even access to befriending services, you can still contact the Council helplines which are still here for you.

If you live in the Dorset Council area and need help fill in the online form here or contact 01305 221000. This help line is open 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and staff are ready to deal with any problem sensitively and sympathetically.

With the government’s recent announcement of shielding coming to an end there is some important information about how eligible residents can access or continue to access priority supermarket delivery slots. Access to priority supermarket delivery slots for shielding residents will continue to be available, if they signed up for support. If they are not already signed up, registrations for food support will close on 17 July. All government food parcels will also stop on 31 July. If you have any concerns please do contact the Council Helpline 01305 221000.

The government announced that as from 6 July changes are being made which allows these residents who were being shielded to be outside their homes more should they choose to. Shielded residents can also see up to 6 people outside as long as social distancing rules are be followed. Shielded residents can also form a support bubble with one other household if they live alone or are in a single-parent household. This guidance has been updated taking into account that coronavirus COVID-19 infection rates have decreased significantly over the last few weeks.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, gives an update on the current situation in Dorset around coronavirus and how everyone must keep on following the government guidance that residents have responded to brilliantly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrZSP7qA6SI

If any of your residents live in the BCP area they can call the Together We Can helpline 0300 123 7052.