Nottinghamshire County Council community and volunteer hub hopes to help those in isolation

A community and volunteer hub to deliver support across the county during the virus outbreak has been launched.

Driven by Nottinghamshire County Council, it will work with all seven district and borough councils to provide essentials and positivity to communities.

The hub website allows residents to see what services are available in their area and where, who to call, and how those services will be accessed because of coronavirus precautions.

Newark and Sherwood has several groups and volunteers offering help to those self-isolating, including the Salvation Army, Carriages Café, Newark Food Bank, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Homestart and the Turquoise Teapot.

For a full list you can visit shorturl.at/bfko3

If you are responsible for a community or faith group, charity, parish or town council and are not listed yet, you can add your details.

It is a work in progress and will be updated regularly, so people are asked to keep checking for developments.

The hub will be helped by an additional immediate contingency fund announced by Robert Jenrick, Newark MP and Communities Secretary, to provide accommodation and support to people who are rough sleeping, or those at risk of sleeping rough and may need to self-isolate due to the virus.

Anthony May, chief executive at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The NHS is working hard to get letters out this week to all vulnerable people who will then be asked to register.

“Once people have registered, details of those in need will be passed to the hubs.

“We would encourage vulnerable people to use their normal support mechanisms, such as family and neighbours who can leave supplies on the doorstep.

“The community hub is aimed at those who do not have this type of support.”