THURROCK Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA), a partnership between Thurrock Council, Stronger Together, Thurrock CVS and other local organisations, made speedy progress on recruiting volunteers and supporting the borough's most vulnerable residents following its launch on Friday, 27 March and has started to deliver support to local residents.

Thurrock Council contacted and then delivered essential supplies to over 75 of the borough's most vulnerable residents who were identified by the NHS as they fall into the shielding category due to being at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

More residents in this category will be contacted this week and essential supplies delivered where needed. The council will continue to be in touch with these residents to confirm their individual support needs.

Through the Stronger Together and Thurrock CVS Partnership, a call for volunteers was widely promoted resulting in 200 people coming forward to offer their time to the TCCA.

Later this week, TCCA will be launching measures to support other residents who may be vulnerable due to self-isolation, mental or physical health issues and do not have friends, family or local support in place at this time.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "The support packages the council and TCCA have delivered is in addition to what the Government has committed for those in the shielding group.

"If you have received a letter or text from the NHS saying you fall into the shielding group, I urge you to follow the link or call the number in the message to sign up for support.

"I would again like to thank TCCA and everyone across the borough who is volunteering to support our communities at this challenging time, it's overwhelming that 200 people have offered their support already.

"If you feel you need support at this time please use the helpline and online form which will launch later this week. The team will assess the requests for support, prioritise them and match them with the support or volunteers available."

For more information on TCCA and to find out how to volunteer click HERE

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