Ealing Together is all about the local community coming together to support those who need it. And there are lots of different ways for residents to ask for help if they are self-isolating and alone.

Some people with specific medical conditions have been told to shield by the NHS. They will have received a letter, text or a phone call informing them and telling them what do if they need support. If they need it, people who are shielding can register with the government online for priority supermarket delivery slots, a weekly food box with basic supplies and help meeting basic care needs.

People who are not shielding, but who are self-isolating and without help from family and friends, can contact Ealing Together on 020 8825 7170 or online at ealingtogether.org.

Ealing Together could refer them to local charities and groups that can collect their shopping. And, if they meet the threshold for a food bank referral, council staff will also assist with that.

Ealing Together is also working with charities such as Neighbourly Care and BEfriend to offer social contact and a friendly chat to people on their own.

And other members of the Ealing Together coalition are offering help through the online community support directory. The services offered through the directory are available without registering with Ealing Together and include prescription collection, dog walking and hot meal delivery. 

We continue to stand with the most vulnerable

Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet lead for Ealing Together, said: “With aspects of the lockdown now starting to ease, it’s understandable for people to want to look forward to what will hopefully be a better time. However, the Ealing Together coalition’s focus remains on the most vulnerable in our communities and our efforts are still concentrated on helping them to get hold of food and to address loneliness and isolation.

“It’s much easier for people to buy food for themselves now than it was at the start of this crisis, but we know that there are still people who have no family or friends to help them and are struggling. The wonderful Ealing Together charities and groups have been working tirelessly since the very beginning of lockdown and continue to stand with the most vulnerable in our society. If you need help, please get in touch.”