New Opening Hours For
Council’s Community Helpline
The Community Helpline set-up by Guildford Borough Council to help residents in need of support during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic will change its opening hours from Monday 6 July.
The Helpline (01483 444400) has made over 21,000 calls since its launch on 6 April, to assist vulnerable residents with food parcels, prescriptions and other support, and will now be available six days a week to reflect the Council’s monitoring of demand levels and the government’s changes in guidance for those shielding:
- Monday to Thursday: 8.30am-5pm
- Friday: 8.30-4.30pm
- Saturday: 10am-2pm
- Sunday: closed
Registrations can still be made seven days a week, 24 hours a day via the Council’s website, http://guildford.gov.uk/athome.
The Helpline (01483 444400) has made over 21,000 calls since its launch on 6 April, to assist vulnerable residents with food parcels, prescriptions and other support, and will now be available six days a week. Registrations can still be made seven days a week, 24 hours a day via the Council’s website, http://guildford.gov.uk/athome.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Caroline Reeves says:
“I am delighted at the impact our Community Helpline has had, as a significant part of our response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and proud of the role played by Council officers. To have made over 21,000 calls is an incredible achievement and will have made a big difference to the lives of so many of our residents.
“The government guidance for our most at-risk and vulnerable residents is changing but we are still doing everything we can to help everybody who needs assistance with food shopping and prescriptions, or just a chance to talk to somebody. We’ve been overwhelmed with the community spirit shown throughout Guildford and the incredible work of so many existing and new voluntary groups, and hope that this sense of altruism can continue as we begin to look toward recovery.
“Many residents want to give something back to our community and have asked us how they can help. Coronavirus (Covid-19) will continue to affect many people in the long-term, and we still have an opportunity for people to directly help others by supporting our food parcel distribution. All money donated goes towards delivering food parcels to those most in need, meaning that you can make a real difference. I thank you in advance for any help you can give, it is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made by visiting www.guildford.gov.uk/foodparcel.”
In addition to the 21,000 phone calls made, 46,000 leaflets were delivered to households by staff and volunteers. Almost 2,500 food parcels and over 18,600 meals on wheels have been delivered to residents, with 454 prescriptions collected and delivered to residents.
**NEW Community Helpline**
If you or someone you know needs help with food, prescriptions or support, please call us 01483 444400 or go online https://bit.ly/3aNQYPP lines open 8.30-7pm weekdays, 10-2pm weekends and over bank holiday #iSupportGuildford. Please see leaflet for more information.
Guildford Borough Council have set up a new community helpline for direct support for any resident who feels that they need help. To access this service, please either call 01483 44 44 00 or register online at www.guildford.gov.uk/athome. Or if you know of someone who is self-isolating or a neighbour or friend you are worried about you can call on their behalf, just let them know you are referring them and we will do the rest. The community helpline is open from 8.30am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10-2pm Saturday and Sunday. Over the Easter bank holiday weekend (Friday 10 to Monday 13 April) we will be open from 10-2pm.
Council staff are also offering another phone service by matching offers of volunteering to resident run community groups (both new and existing). If you would like to volunteer to help your local community, contact us on 01483 505050 and one of our dedicated customer service team will put you in touch with groups in the borough that need help.
GBC is also reminding residents that they can help those who have been recently discharged from hospital or need changes made to their home to allow them live safely and independently. Please call our Safe and Settled team on 01483 444476. GBC can install handrails, careline alarms and more.
Guildford Borough Council's Corona virus webpage can be found here. It contains the latest Corona virus information and advice, as well as advice on self isolation, financial advice and advice for businesses.
Guildford Borough Council also regularly issue press releases and a number of these relate to support for businesses etc during the pandemic. To access GBC's latest press releases, please click here