Rutland County Council has launched a dedicated crisis helpline for vulnerable people who have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and have no one to support them.

The NHS has been contacting people who have been identified as being extremely vulnerable to coronavirus because they have a serious health condition.

These people are being urged to shield themselves and stay indoors and avoid contact with others for 12 weeks, during which time they can request support to help access food and medicine as part of a national support scheme .

Rutland County Council has been supporting some of the county's most vulnerable residents, who they have been made aware of, for the past few weeks with food deliveries, while the national scheme was implemented. They now want to make it as easy as possible for people to access the support available.

The crisis helpline is available for all people who are 'shielding' and have concerns about their access to food and medicine or they are feeling isolated and require support.

The crisis helpline is also available for people who do not meet the government's criteria for 'extremely vulnerable' but due to their circumstances still require immediate support including vulnerable, self-isolating individuals who have nobody to get them food and medicines and are not in receipt of a government food parcel. The number to call for help is: 01572 729 603.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "We now have a network of support in place across Rutland to help individuals and families affected by COVID-19. Parish and Town Councils and volunteer groups are offering local support through various good neighbour schemes.

"There is also a national scheme getting food and other essentials to people who are classed as 'extremely vulnerable' by the NHS.

"The Council's Rutland Hub is in place to support anyone whose needs can't be met through the national scheme and have no other way of getting support. Working together, we want to make sure everyone gets the help they need."

Details of volunteer groups and good neighbour schemes offering help and support in towns and villages can be found here on the Rutland council website.

Rutland's COVID-19 crisis helpline can be contacted by calling: 01572 729 603 between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday (including bank holidays).