A new Suffolk-focused community service was set up on 24 March to support people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Called ‘Home, But Not Alone’, the service has been launched to help connect people who want to volunteer in their communities with neighbours who are most in need.
The service will mean willing volunteers, charities, town and parish councils, community and religious groups can all log their details and offers of support on an app, while people who need help can phone to request support.
As the number of offers and requests grows, they will be matched so that the right help can be given where it’s most needed. This support could include delivering groceries, medication or essential household goods, in line with Government social distancing guidelines.
Download the free app, called Tribe Volunteer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
The telephone line is not a general information line for COVID-19 queries, but those in need can seek information on support with care needs, loneliness, and connecting with community support.
This is a new service and will adapted to demand over the coming weeks. People are still being urged to check GOV.UK for the latest guidance on a wide range of issues and changes caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
