Over the last two weeks we have made over 850 phone calls. We have been in contact with over 350 local older residents and responded to a large number of people needing emergency food provisions. We have also been dealing with various other requests such as help with reduced income due to a reduction hours, with prescriptions picking up, registering people online, referring on, supporting families and members, everyday concerns such as not being able to take rubbish out, concerns around paying bills and accessing post offices, and emotional support. And so much more.

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This can be especially difficult for those who have ongoing mental health and physical well being issues, reduced contact with others, recently lost loved ones, or when families and friends are not able to get to those in isolation or where admitted to hospital, or a care home and so on.

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We have also been able to share daily information via email, text and our web posts to feel connected, keep well, safe and entertained. Naturally people are connecting which is lovely to hear. And we too have a number of volunteers and members in contact with friends, neighbours and other local older residents via the phone and are currently in the process of linking others as the weeks progress.  This includes some welfare checks by the local community support officers where needed.

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This is truly a team effort, so thank you to Caring Together staff, members, families, friends, supporters and volunteers and to everyone else out there in the community for making a difference every day, you have all been amazing.