Sustained support for shielding

Lifeline support for people shielding in Dundee is to continue.

Food and medicine deliveries organised by Tayside Cares will carry on after it was announced vulnerable people should continue to shield until July 31.

Since shielding was introduced in March, thousands of people across the city have been contacted and offered support, such as access to food and medicines, if they cannot get help from family and friends.

Around 10,000 food boxes have been delivered so far in Dundee. Hundreds more have received medicine deliveries and priority supermarket deliveries.

That emergency support, provided by Dundee City Council and its partners through Tayside Cares, is ongoing.

Council leader John Alexander said: “The majority of those who are shielding have been able to receive essentials such as food and medicines through family members, friends and other support networks, and I would ask them to continue doing this.

“Where people cannot otherwise get the help they need, lifeline essentials are being provided.

“That will continue through the shielding period.

“If you are already receiving support then you don’t need to do anything. But if your circumstances have changed, or you are otherwise in need of urgent help during this period of shielding, then you can contact the helpline or visit the Tayside Cares web portal.”

The shielding helpline 0300 123 1403 is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.