SOS campaign needs good samaritans

BENITACHELL town hall is recruiting public support for a new drive to offer a helping hand to vulnerable people in the community.

It has launched an ‘SOS social emergency’ campaign and a hotline; appealing for members of the public to call the exclusive number – 690 965 597 - and report people in need of support.

The local authority accepts problems with social exclusion have been made worse by the ongoing Covid crisis, but sees the new system as a way of reaching out to groups such as the elderly, people at risk of extreme poverty, or people who are homeless.

And the council said for the scheme to be a success it needed the ‘collaboration’ of residents and appealed: “If you spot someone in your urbanisation or any part of the town; someone who is living on the street, who may not have the resources for a proper home, people who may have difficulties guaranteeing the provision of basic needs,or an elderly or dependent person living on their own, or at risk of social exclusion, you can inform the council through this number.”

The town hall’s social services department hope people will share the information with friends and neighbours. “You can help us spread this message amongst you neighbours, friends, relatives, acquaintances, and club or association members.”

It also reminded people that the nature of the problem meant vulnerable people frequently did not have social contacts, making them even more ‘isolated’.

Councillor for social services Isa Garrido said: “With this initiative, we want to help vulnerable people obtain access to all the resources we have available in the town hall.”