Vulnerable Hampshire residents are being reminded that there is help on hand over the festive period, including from the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “The Christmas holidays can be an especially challenging time for many people and this year many more people may be at home alone.
“There are lots of sources of support for anyone who feels worried or isolated, including a one-stop-shop of useful information on our Connect to Support website. As we approach Christmas and the coldest time of the year, I would urge residents to check on any neighbours who may be vulnerable. Offering to pick up a few extra shopping items, a prescription or simply taking time to make contact could be a real lifeline. If you are offering help in person, please remember to stay outside and observe the ‘hands-face-space’ rules to keep everyone reassured and safe.”
The Connect to Support Hampshire website features a directory of helpful guidance ranging from helplines open over the festive period, to advice on keeping your home warm. Visit: www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/news
The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline can offer advice, information and support to anyone in need including if they are unwell from Covid-19 or self-isolating. Call 0333 370 4000 (calls charged at local rate). Over the Christmas and New Year period, its operating hours are:
Christmas Eve – 9am-5pm
Christmas Day – closed
Boxing Day – Saturday 26 December – 10am-3pm
Sunday 27 December – 10am-3pm
Bank Holiday Monday 28 December – 10am-3pm
Tuesday 29 December – Thursday 31 December – 9am-5pm
Friday 1 January – closed
Saturday 2 January/Sunday 3 January – 10am–3pm
From Monday 4 January usual operating hours Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm – Fri 9am-4.30pm
For anyone who would like to offer help and support to vulnerable people within their community, over the festive period and beyond, there is guidance available on how to do this safely at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely–2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely