Vulnerable residents to get phone call from county council

Denbighshire County Council is contacting vulnerable residents to check on their wellbeing and offer community support during the coronavirus outbreak.

Everybody receiving shielding letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales will also be called by a Council officer to arrange community support or food box deliveries if required. 

If you believe you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people and you have not received a letter from the Welsh Government, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

So far more than 2,000 residents have been contacted and support provided has included referrals to community groups or local charities for help with, for example, advice about finances, grocery shopping or dog walking.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We are working to ensure all residents in the county who have had a shielding letter, will also be contacted by the Council by phone as soon as possible, and we will keep in touch with them throughout the lockdown period.

“We are supporting our residents by making them aware of the support available in their own community, as well has offering advice on how to stay safe from scammers. Any residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of these calls can hang up and call the Council back direct on 01824 706000.

“People have been telling us they are really appreciative of the calls and we want to reassure residents we are undertaking this work as quickly as possible.”

One resident who had received a call said: “I would like to applaud what Denbighshire County Council is doing and I’d like to thank the Council for the call. We really appreciate it and we really appreciate all those still going to work and everything that has been done for us. Well done.”

Cllr Feeley added: “As a Council we understand it is not only those in receipt of a shielding letter that need support. If anyone is worried about themselves or a friend, relative or neighbour they can call the Council on 01824 706000 and a call-back will be arranged as soon as possible.”