Covid-19 - New helpline and food distribution hub to support vulnerable people across Dudley borough

Covid-19 - New helpline and food distribution hub to support vulnerable people across Dudley borough

Working with volunteers to support people across Dudley has always been at the heart of what we do, and our communities have never needed us more.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dudley CVS, the voluntary sector and statutory partners have been committed to working closely together to harness and mobilise community support for vulnerable people across Dudley borough. Recruiting Covid-19 volunteers has been integral to delivering this support

Lockdown measures outlined by the Government meant that our work was not simply about supporting people in poverty, but also those who could afford to purchase supplies but were unable to leave the house due to their vulnerability or illness, creating a much greater need for food and medication deliveries.

Over the last few weeks, we have pulled together to respond to this greater need by collaborating with our partners Dudley Council, Black Country Foodbank, Citizens Advice Dudley, and volunteers to find the best solution to coordinate the growing demand for essential supplies. A new system, developed by the partnership, is now in place, including a new helpline and support service and a large-scale food distribution hub in the Dudley borough.

The new helpline (0300 3302 152), built by Citizens Advice Dudley, is now live. Vulnerable residents of all ages who are staying at home or self-isolating with no family or community support, or those struggling financially can contact the new helpline to arrange for a food parcel or medication to be delivered. The service is also open to younger people, working people and families if they are in need.

Redeployed workers from Dudley Council are co-ordinating the large-scale food distribution hub in partnership with Dudley CVS and the Black Country Foodbank, taking charge of stock, co-ordinating deliveries, packing up essential food parcels and delivering them to vulnerable residents. Council staff will also take calls to assess people’s needs and signpost to relevant services. The hub will also be used by Black Country Food Bank to help them to replenish their food stocks for poverty food parcels.

As part of the new system, Dudley CVS staff will continue to match volunteers to vulnerable people in need of medication and those with specific requirements.

Older people who require advice about other services available to them, or who are just feeling lonely or isolated can still call the Pleased to Meet You helpline on 01384 812761. The helpline offers older people and younger adults who have a disability, a “listening ear” and someone to talk to about their worries. It runs Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 pm.

To find out how to contribute to the Black Country Foodbank including how to donate food or funds visit https://www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk/

To find out how to become part of the borough’s wider volunteer effort, register with on the Dudley CVS website http://dudleycvsreview.org/covid-19-community-action-and-support/

To register as a vulnerable person visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

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