More than 200 calls have been made to the Rutland County Council COVID-19 crisis helpline.

The helpline was launched in April for people who've been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and have no one to support them.

This includes people who are 'shielding' and have concerns about their access to food and medicine, or they are feeling isolated and require support.

The helpline is also available for people who do not meet the government's criteria for 'extremely vulnerable' but still require immediate assistance.

The Rutland County Council Crisis Helpline can be contacted between 8.30am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday (including bank holidays) on 01572 729 603.

Councillor Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the work being done right across Rutland to provide help and support to people who are struggling because of COVID-19.

"The crisis helpline has been set up to make sure no one in Rutland goes without. If you're struggling to get access to food or medicines, or feel vulnerable or isolated, please get in touch."

With the crisis helpline now in place to provide support for people impacted by COVID-19, the Council's normal call centre will revert back to its usual operating hours of 8.30am to 5.00pm, effective from Monday May 4. Residents can also contact the Council by emailing: [email protected].

The call centre had extended its operating hours as part of the Council's initial response to COVID-19 but has seen a significant drop in calls, with just five enquiries recorded during its extended operating period throughout the whole of last week.

Coun Walters added: "With fewer people now calling our main customer service number outside of normal operating hours, it makes sense for the contact centre to resume its usual 8.30am to 5.00pm call handling service.

"Anyone with concerns about COVID-19 can still call our crisis helpline right up until 8.00pm each weekday evening, while the Council continues to operate a separate 24-7 lifeline number for emergencies."

Rutland County Council's emergency out of hours service is provided by Harborough Lifeline. This 24 hour service can be contacted by calling 01858 464 499.

For more information about COVID-19 in Rutland, including guidance on where to get help and support, residents can go to a special section of the council website.