New service aims to help vulnerable self-isolate
A ‘check-in’ project will help with practical and emotional support for those staying at home due to Covid-19...
A NEW service has been launched to help vulnerable adults and carers suffering from Covid-19 or self isolating at home.
The new check-in initiative will help local people by:
■ Collecting essentials;
■ Picking up and delivering prescriptions;
■ Support with financial issues such as benefits;
■ Helping them to feel less isolated;
■ Putting them in touch with family and friends.
It has been launched by home improvement and support specialist Revival and funded by Staffordshire County Council.
It runs until March 31, 2022 and will support vulnerable adults and carers who have Covid-19 in the Staffordshire Moorlands, Loggerheads, Madeley, Blythe Bridge and Eccleshall.
Head of Support and Wellbeing, Julie Russell, says: “Our support will reduce the number of vulnerable people having to go without essentials like food or medication.
“We’re hoping the service will play its part in reducing Covid-19 transmission by helping people manage at home.
“Sometimes people living alone or caring for someone feel they have no other option than to leave home to get essentials.
“This service will support those people and make sure everyone can remain safe and well in their home.”
Community home support worker Bridget Blakeman is part of the service. Her role will involve identifying customer needs and putting a plan in place to allow customers to isolate safely at home.
Bridget said: “Helping people who are having to isolate because they have Covid-19 is so important.
“On a practical level some people don’t have the ability or know how to get their shopping or prescriptions delivered.
“Emotionally, being told to stay at home for two weeks when you live alone, are vulnerable to the virus or are a carer can be a daunting task.
“Our support will put practical steps in place to make sure people have what they need to isolate safely at home. We will also provide emotional support to help them get through a tough and lonely time.”
Cabinet Support Member of Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council, Dr Johnny Mcmahon said: “This pandemic has not gone away and we must do all we can to protect each other, that includes selfisolating when required to and not spreading Covid-19 further.
“If you need to isolate don’t hesitate to contact Revival for a welfare check.”
Anyone in the Staffordshire Moorlands, Loggerheads, Madeley, Blythe Bridge and Eccleshall areas can access the service including GPS and voluntary agencies.
■ If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a Covid-19 welfare check-in, complete the online referral at thisisrevival.org. uk/homewelfarechecks. You can also contact Revival on 0333 014 3389 or email hello@thisisrevival. org.uk