How to get support during the national restrictions if you are Shielding from Coronavirus
Update on shielding
The government has advised those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to begin shielding today, as new national restrictions come into force to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable and had to shield during the first wave of the virus, you will receive notification from the government advising you to shield again, from today (5th November), for one month, until the national restrictions are due to end on 2nd December.
To read more information about the new shielding guidance, please refer to our dedicated advice page about shielding.
Registering for support whilst shielding
If you need additional help to follow the new shielding guidance, you can sign up for support on the Enfield Council website or call the Enfield Council Community Support Line on 020 3821 1966. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Sign up for support on the Enfield Council website
You can also register yourself or someone else for the new government online service to:
- request access to a priority supermarket delivery slot (if you have already got priority supermarket deliveries, you will keep them)
- tell your council if you need support to follow this guidance, especially if you are unable to arrange this yourself or with the help of friends, family or other support networks
- make sure your details, such as your address, are up to date
You can register now and will be asked for your NHS number. You can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you, or on a prescription. It is helpful if you register even if you do not have any support needs at this time. You can log in and update your needs if circumstances change at any time.
Getting support from the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme
You can register for support from the NHS Volunteer Responder scheme by calling 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).
If you have hearing loss, you can contact the NHS Volunteer Responder scheme using the following options:
- The Support Team is set up to accept and utilise the Relay UK service
- BSL Health Access, which can connect a British Sign Language (BSL) user with the programme.
What kind of help is available?
NHS Volunteer Responders can help you with various day-to-day tasks that might have become more difficult during the pandemic whilst you are shileding. Their services include:
- Community Response Volunteers on hand to help with shopping for food and essential items, and to collect and deliver prescriptions from the pharmacy.
- Check In and Chat Volunteers available for regular talks over the phone, where you can have a chat with a friendly voice.
- Check In and Chat Plus Volunteers is a phone service provided by volunteers who are shielding, offering a friendly voice to those who are also shielding.
You can find out more by visiting the NHS Volunteer Responders website.
Not able to find the support you need?
If you need support and are not able to find the help you need, you can phone our information and advice line between 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday. Just give us a ring on 020 8373 6283.
Alternatively, you can email us at any time.
