Shielding residents in Ealing who the council has not been able to reach by phone or letter, will receive a doorstep welfare check, starting this week.
The welfare checks will be carried out by the council’s Ealing Together partner, Ealing Community Transport (ECT). They will visit shielding residents in their ECT uniform, driving a green ECT vehicle.
They will attempt to speak to the shielding resident on the doorstep, keeping the two-metre social distance, and confirm whether support is needed or if they can be removed from the list. If they cannot make contact with the resident, they will leave a letter, asking them to get in touch.
ECT employees will not ask to enter anyone’s homes or ask for any financial details.
Shielding residents
Shielding residents have health conditions that mean they are at high risk of hospitalisation if they catch COVID-19. The NHS has advised these people to stay at home for 12 weeks. Those that have registered for help have been receiving weekly food parcels from Ealing Council or the government.
Last week the council wrote to around 800 shielding residents who they haven’t been able to reach by phone after multiple attempts and asked them to get in touch on 020 8825 7170. Many of these have since called and let the council know whether they require support or not. The welfare checks are for the shielding people that have not responded to the letters.
“We aren’t taking any chances”
Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet lead for Ealing Together, said: “We’re concerned that we haven’t managed to speak to some people which is why we are following up with a doorstep visit. I’m sure that most people we visit will be receiving support from friends or family and simply not need help from the council, but we aren’t taking any chances.
“Sadly, some criminals will always try to take advantage of situations like this and try to scam vulnerable people. If you are shielding, please remember that our ECT partners will not ask to go inside your home, nor will they ask you for money or your bank details. If you have any concerns, close the door and call 020 8825 7170.”
Watch out for scams
- Welfare checks will be carried out by ECT crew in uniform and driving an ECT vehicle (look at the picture above)
- They will not ask to enter your home and will keep a two metre distance on the doorstep
- ECT crew will never ask for money or your bank details
- If you are unsure, close the door and call 020 8825 7170.
