Supporting our vulnerable residents

THE Essex Welfare Service, Essex County Council’s new service, has been established to help vulnerable people in our community who are shielding at home and are in need of support.

It is specifically for those people who are not able to get any support from either family or friends or neighbours.

Having now signed up thousands of amazing volunteers, nearly 2,800 of these willing helpers are supporting vulnerable residents with tasks like grocery shopping.

EWS is directing volunteers to support residents each day via community hubs. So far almost 9,000 people across the county have been directly supported.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of the Council, said: “We prioritised getting volunteers who were DBS-checked up and running in the first instance and are now working our way through the rest of those people who came forward to help. We are very lucky so many of you have stepped forward and volunteered with us.”

“We will have made contact with nearly everyone by the end of the month and want to reassure you that as further support is requested, we will still need the help of volunteers across the county to support our Care Providers, our carers, those who are socially isolated and lonely and those people in our communities with additional needs or health issues.”

ECC has been working in partnership with district councils, local NHS CCGs, the British Red Cross and other partners to ensure people who need support are able to access it.

GPs across the county have started to send messages to patients directing them to the Essex Welfare Service.

If they need support the system is simple and effective – the resident contacts the Essex Welfare Service via phone or online. Support is then provided via the network of community hubs, that have been established in each district, or directly by an EWS volunteer.

Support for vulnerable people ranges from help with shopping, medicine or day to day tasks that support them to stay healthy and well whilst shielding at home.

One grateful recipient of the service told us: “I registered with you on 7th April and just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for all your help and support, and in particular to the person who helped me when I was distressed on the phone.

“She was so patient and reassuring that by the end of the phone call I was able to make a joke! Because of your help I have received two food boxes and am now registered on supermarket websites, enabling me to book priority slots. Thank you again.”

Another even presented volunteers with a thank-you card, writing: “I wanted to say a big thank you for being angels. Your kindness is really appreciated, and I feel so grateful to you all, giving up your time to help me in this challenging time.”

The Essex Welfare Service can be contacted by sending an email to www.essexwelfareservice.org.uk