Coronavirus helplines set up for vulnerable Hampshire residents

Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council have both set up helplines to assist people during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is hoped the service will enable frail or vulnerable people who do not have the support of family members to remain at home and reduce the risk of infection.

Hampshire council leader, Councillor Keith Mans said: 'Local authorities across Hampshire, including the county council and all the districts and boroughs, have joined forces with the county’s community and voluntary sector, to ensure vulnerable people are able to access the support they need during the coming weeks.

'A new helpline is up and running for frail or vulnerable residents who do not have support from families, friends or their local community, and who need urgent assistance with essential food or household supplies, collection of medication, or who are at risk of loneliness.'

The Hampshire helpline, which covers Fareham, Gosport and Havant, is available seven days a week from 9am until 5pm and can be contacted on 0333 370 4000.

In Portsmouth the dedicated helpline number is 023 9268 8004. It is available from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Further information is available on both council's websites.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.