Highland community hubs to help people who are classed as at risk to protect themselves from coronavirus
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Highland Council is responding to the Scottish Government’s communication last week on shielding people most at risk from coronavirus.
People with specific health conditions which put them at higher risk of harm from the virus will receive letters from the NHS advising them they must self-isolate for 12 weeks to protect themselves and reduce the risk of hospital admission.
Anyone receiving a shielding letter can contact the council for support during their period of self-isolation.
People in this position may need different types of support which might change during the 12 weeks.
Those seeking help are being asked to use a dedicated helpline at (01349) 886669 or complete a form online at www.highland.gov.uk/shielding to provide their contact details and the type of support required.
The council will gather the information about who needs support through a new virtual community hub, to be passed to one of 10 local community hubs in Nairn, Aviemore, Inverness, Fort William, Portree, Ullapool, Dingwall, Invergordon, Golspie and Wick.
A council spokesman said: "The local community hubs will co-ordinate activity to support people across Highland.
"Staff from the council and partner organisations will work alongside community groups to provide this local support.
"Already over 240 groups have offered help, and that number continues to grow. Many groups are already providing an invaluable service to their communities.
"We recognise that in addition to those individuals who have been advised by the NHS to self-isolate, there will be other people who need support. This may be support now or in the coming weeks because people need to self-isolate or need additional help."
Anyone requiring support during self-isolation can call a new helpline at 0300 3031362 and select the 'need help with welfare' option.
The spokesman said: "We will prioritise support for those with shielding letters but will also help other vulnerable people."
Groups, as well as individuals interested in helping local groups which want to offer support to help people in self-isolation, should complete the on-line form at https://www.covidhelp4highland.org/volunteering.html or call 0300 3031362 and select the 'want to offer support' option.
The council is working closely with the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) in co-ordinating all offers of help.
The Scottish Government is encouraging people to volunteer as well via a national helpline and the Ready Scotland website, through the British Red Cross (BRC).
