North East Derbyshire District Council and Rykneld Homes, have set up a Community Support Team to help provide advice and support to those affected by the Covid-19 virus (this will take over and co-ordinate the Community SOS scheme currently in place).

The purpose of the Team will be to:

* Identify those in need
* Match the emerging needs of the community to existing support across the district
* Re-direct District Council resources to meet the new growing demand

The Council is inviting residents who are self-isolating and in need ofassistance, to register with the Support Team. This will help us to direct resources to the most vulnerable in the District.

Residents can do this by:

Visiting our website www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk or by calling 01246 231111 or text phone 07800002425

Once registered, we can co-ordinate and target support and help residents to access the services available. Our staff will also be able to provide a friendly voice on the phone, giving callers someone to turn to if they need reassurance.

Our website can be used to point residents and businesses to, where they can access information and advice which is updated regularly.

We recognise that Parish Councils/Councillors have a wide network of community contacts and reach, we encourage you to promote, signpost or directly refer those in your communities who may benefit from this service.

In addition the District Council are keen to collaborate with the Parish Council and work together on the successful implementation of this initiative which may include;

Parish Council co-ordination of local volunteers and support to
deliver Residents Advice leaflets within their area promoting this service. Working with Parish Councils to setup food collection points within their Parish for the District Council to collect, package and distribute in the Community.

We look forward to working together to support our communities in their time of need.

Regards Councillor Martin Thacker
Leader of the Council