Support for vulnerable residents – new helpline launched
Our contact centre is receiving a large volume of calls coming through from residents who need support with access to basic supplies. We are responding to the enquires as swiftly as possible, dealing with some calls directly, signposting to community groups where appropriate or escalating to Hampshire County Council who are dealing with the most vulnerable.
Hampshire County Council is acting as the main co-ordination point for all district community hubs and has now set up a hotline The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline – Hantshelp4vulnerable – can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. The helpline is available seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm.
Vulnerable residents who need additional support, and do not have support from family or friends, should call the helpline to register for support. The county council will resolve complex cases and will pass on most other enquiries to ourselves as the local community hub to arrange support, such as deliveries of food.
We are working closely with Spotlight who are sourcing and delivering food parcels themselves or through more local support. The Basingstoke Foodbank continues to provide food for those unable to afford food and we are referring onwards to both as appropriate.
Spotlight received the first delivery of food from Hampshire County Council this afternoon, which was arranged by the government, and we are awaiting clarification of what further food support will be provided.
We are working with Basingstoke Voluntary Action to co-ordinate community support in our borough during the COVID-19 outbreak. Volunteers or local volunteer groups should visit www.bvaction.org.uk/coronavirus-volunteering or call 01256 423852 to register.
BVA has published an interactive map on their webpage www.bvaction.org.uk/basingstoke-deane-community-hubs/ showing the location and contact details for local groups.
Those people identified at risk of severe illness as a result of underlying medical conditions that make them more likely to be admitted to hospital have been written to directly by the NHS. They have been told that they should not leave home for at least 12 weeks. They have been advised that if they do not have friends, family or neighbours who can provide support, they should follow the instructions in their letter to register for help to access food, medicine and social contact via gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.
Basingstoke Festival and B LOVE events cancelled
Two major festivals due to take place in Basingstoke this summer have been cancelled following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Basingstoke Festival was due to take place between Friday 26 June and Sunday 12 July, including B LOVE Festival, with a variety of top artists, performers and musicians already announced.
This also includes the popular Pictures in the Park event, which was due to screen four hit films on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 July in War Memorial Park.
Following the government’s latest advice around social distancing for the foreseeable future, the council has taken the decision to cancel these events.
Camrose Centre closes
The Camrose Centre took the decision to close on 26 March due to declining visitor numbers, concerns around the health and welfare of staff and following consideration of the latest government advice.
During the closure Julian House has increased its capacity to provide specialist homeless outreach services and Basingstoke Foodbank is continuing to support rough sleepers that have been re-homed with food supplies.
For more information on what is being done for rough sleepers in the borough during the Coronavirus outbreak see the news release issued on 25 March: Council ensures safe and secure places for rough sleepers
Follow the latest updates
Residents and businesses can get the latest news and updates on the impact of Covid-19 on the borough council and its services via the webpage www.basingstoke.gov.uk/coronavirus, through Facebook and Twitter @BasingstokeGov or by signing up for regular e-newsletters at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/signup
We would appreciate it if you could share these sources of information from the council in your areas.
I hope you find this information useful.
Dave Burn
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Interim Head of Democratic Services Manager
dave.burn@basingstoke.gov.uk
01256 845510