Published: 08 April 2020
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Crawley Borough Council’s Help Hub has supported 836 of the most vulnerable people in our community since it opened on 25 March.
Help Hub staff offer practical and emotional support to the most vulnerable, isolated and lonely residents in the town. They also identify their support or assistance needs and match them with the help on offer from our own council teams and the wide range of voluntary and charitable activity in the town.
Help Hub staff are also supporting our community pharmacies to directly deliver medical supplies where needed and call our most vulnerable residents to check on them.
In addition, help buying and delivering food and essential supplies has been offered by a huge range of voluntary and community groups, including Age UK, Bewbush Children and Family Centre, Crawley Community Church, the Easter Team, the Red Cross, Crawley Cov-19 Mutual Aid and Spotted: Crawley, both on Facebook.
Since the Help Hub opened, 441 free emergency food and supplies parcels made up of basic provisions have been delivered to those most in need.
Many people are able to get supplies, either themselves or through a family member or friend, from supermarkets and pharmacies or online deliveries.
However, any Crawley resident who may find themselves vulnerable or isolated and unable to access food and essential supplies due to self-isolation, illness and/or financial hardship can request an emergency parcel.
The parcels, which last one person three days, have a value of £15. If you’re currently on Statutory Sick Pay and no other benefits the boxes are free. If you’re on means-tested benefits the cost will be 50 per cent of the cost. Additional items such as nappies, sanitary products and pet food will be charged for in full.
These essential, basic supplies are a lifeline for people who are vulnerable or in financial difficulties.
Please only request one if you have a genuine need. We are trying to keep resources available through the Help Hub for those who are most vulnerable so if you do have support in place already, maybe from family or friends, please continue to use that.
Councillor Peter Lamb
Leader of the Council
Crawley Borough Council
Call the Help Hub on 01293 438000 between 8.30am and 5pm if you need help. Alternatively, you can email covid-19.support@crawley.gov.uk or complete an eform available at crawley.gov.uk/coronavirus
For the latest coronavirus information and advice visit gov.uk/coronavirus and crawley.gov.uk/coronavirus
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