INFORMATION FROM SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Home, But Not Alone
Find support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including our emergency phoneline if you need urgent help.
The Home, But Not Alone service, which included an emergency helpline, was originally set up in March to support vulnerable Suffolk residents during the first nationwide lockdown. The service was paused in August, as lockdown restrictions were lifted and service demand naturally declined.
England will enter a new national lockdown from Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December. In response to this, the Home, But Not Alone helpline has been reopened to support people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and in need of further assistance.
We know that during the first period of national shielding between March and July, many people found the Government's advice very restrictive.
The new government guidance acknowledges this and provides practical steps to help keep you safe, whilst reducing some of the potentially harmful impacts the previous guidance had on mental and social wellbeing.
There is also no need for self-isolation within your household. People who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable can still go to work or school. You are, however, advised to social distance where possible and follow the guidance of ‘Hands. Face. Space.’
If you live in Suffolk and you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, the Home, But Not Alone helpline is in place to assist you with any questions you may have, or in locating additional support you may need. The phone number has not changed. Support can be accessed again on 0800 876 6926. The phonelines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Visit GOV.UK for more information about the restrictions for clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Reaching out to your family, friends and/or local community to help you during lockdown, if possible, is still encouraged in the first instance.
NHS Volunteer Responders
The NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme is in place to support people in England who are clinically extremely vulnerable or needing to self-isolate. The Scheme is in place until at least March 2021. NHS Volunteer Responders can support you with:
collecting shopping, medication (if your friends and family cannot collect them for you) or other essential supplies
a regular, friendly phone call from volunteers or from other people who are clinically extremely vulnerable or self-isolating
transport to medical appointments
Please call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm to arrange support or speak to your health care professional for transport support. Find out more at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk
Home, But Not Alone
If you need urgent help and have no other support, call the Home, But Not Alone helpline.
The helpline is primarily available to clinically extremely vulnerable people who:
do not have access to support available from friends, family or immediate community
are struggling for food, medicines or other essential supplies
are feeling lonely and isolated
Call handlers will be able to provide answers to any questions you may have or link you with local groups and shops who are providing support or services to their local communities.
Call the Home, But Not Alone helpline on 0800 876 6926. Calls are answered from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can still use the Home, But Not Alone phoneline if you can't hear or speak on the phone. Download the Relay UK app and dial 18001 then 0800 876 6926.
Visit suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus for local information on health, schools, business and service changes.