The lockdown imposed to help control the spread of coronavirus is making life difficult for all of us. But if you are having to self-isolate, it is even tougher.
Some people in Kent have not been able to get out to buy food and other essentials and it can be difficult to known where to look for support. So we've created a simple guide to help.
Volunteers sort through food to be distributed to vulnerable people who aren't able to get out to the shops. Picture: Canterbury City Council
Ashford
Ashford Borough Council community groups
The council has put together a comprehensive list of Covid-19 volunteer and community groups for every ward in the district, who can help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and various other tasks.
To find where to get assistance in your ward, click here.
Ashford, Kent Covid-19 Community Support Page
On this Facebook page, various local businesses and groups share information on how and where to get support if you are living in Ashford but can't leave your home.
Register on the website by clicking here or call 01227 868598.
Age UK
The charity can deliver hot meals to the elderly, arrange volunteer shopping, medicine pick-ups and also has a over-the-phone befriending service.
Call 01227 462368.
Red Zebra
Red Zebra is working with other local charities to coordinate the response to Covid-19, delivering emergency food parcels, supporting isolated individuals over the phone, and providing information on what other local services are available.
If you require help, fill in the form by clicking here.
Dartford
Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group Dartford
This Facebook group links you with people who can help with shopping and picking up prescriptions and other essential items.
This Facebook group enables those who live in Dover but don't have any family or friends nearby to help get essentials while self-isolating. You can ask for help from volunteers by posting on the page.
If you have no one who can help you get food and supplies but you're having to self-isolate, volunteers from the hub may be able to assist. It's open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Call 01304 821199 or email covid19@dover.gov.uk.
The Deal Centre
You can get meals delivered to your door if you are elderly and self-isolating.
Call 01304 372608 or email admin@deal-cr.org.uk.
Age Concern Sandwich
The centre has expanded its meals on wheels service during the pandemic and is also offering support and advice for elderly people over the phone.
Call 01304 614237 or click here to view menus and prices.
Faversham, Sheppey and Sittingbourne
Swale Borough Council community support line
The support line is for those aged 70 or above, people with underlying health conditions or those self-isolating due to people they are living with displaying coronavirus symptoms. You can get help with food and essential items. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm on Friday and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
Call 01795 417525.
Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh
Folkestone and Hythe District Council-funded community hubs
Emergency food and meal deliveries, help with repeat prescriptions for medication, help with pets or just a person on the end of a phone to talk too are all services offered by the community hubs. They are open from 9am to 4pm.
For Hythe, run by AGE UK, email covid-19@ageukhl.org.uk or call 01303 269602.
For Folkestone - run by Three Hills Sports Centre supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering - email covid-19@3hsp.co.uk or call 01303 316186.
For Romney Marsh - run by Romney Marsh Day Centre - email Covid-19@rmdc.org.uk or call 01797 208590.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council helpline
Open from 9am to 5pm daily
Call 01303 761116 or can email Covid-19@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.
Gravesend
Gravesham Borough Council and North West Kent Volunteer Centre
Volunteers can help get vital supplies such as food and medicine to vulnerable people across the borough.
Register online by clicking here or call 03000 419292.
Gravesham Foodbank
Food parcels including fresh fruit and vegetables are available to be dropped off at your home if you are in signifcant need.
Call 01474 559555 or email info@graveshamfoodbank.org.uk.
Volunteers can help people in Istead Rise and the wider community. Services on offer include picking up shopping, collecting post and prescriptions, or even offering someone a friendly chat.
To get help, complete a form on the website by clicking here or call 07595 255150.
Maidstone
Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group Maidstone
A Facebook group to help coordinate assistance for the most vulnerable during the pandemic, run by volunteers. They can help you with shopping, picking up prescriptions and more.
Customers can book a home visit and refill their own bottles from this zero waste business's customised van which holds several 20 litre containers of household cleaning products such as laundry detergents, hand soaps and shampoos.
To book a visit call 07379 241475 or visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
Medway
Henry's Angels
Run by medical supplies distribution company Henry Schein, based in Gillingham, the group is using the staff canteen to prepare meals to give out to people in the area. Anyone can nominate an elderly person to receive the free meals. The scheme is open to those living in Gillingham, Rainham, Twydall, Hempstead or Wigmore. The number is capped at 50 meals a day for the time being.
For more information, email henrys.Angels@henryschein.co.uk. Please give details of any dietary requirements.
Medway Council
A personal shopping service is being run by the council during the pandemic.
Email emergency.foodproject@medway.gov.uk.
Salvation Army, Gillingham - Good Neighbour scheme
The scheme aims to link volunteers with people who are isolating, to help with their shopping or to pick up post or supplies for people in Gillingham, Rainham or Wigmore.
The angels arranging the collection or delivery of food parcels and have volunteers who can help with personal shopping.
Call on 07827 298882 or visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Council
If you need help with shopping or other small tasks while in self-isolation, volunteers can give you a hand.
Register for help by clicking here or call 01732 227000.
Tenterden
Helping in Tenterden
Several teams based in the area, including Tenterden Town Council, St Mildred's Church and Ivy Court Surgery, have joined forces to offer voluntary services to residents in need. Elderly and vulnerable people can ask for help with urgent shopping, prescriptions, dog walking or a friendly chat.
Call 01580 761060 or visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
Thanet
Thanet District Council
The council has a dedicated helpline for vulnerable people in the community who don't have friends or family to help them while in self-isolation. It is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
Fill in an online form by clicking here, call 01843 577330 or email communitysupport@thanet.gov.uk.
Thanet Coronavirus Assistance
A website which lists all the shops in Thanet which are offering a home delivery service and how to contact them.
This furniture business is offering asistance to anyone in need living in Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs, Westgate, Birchington and Sandwich. The company is using its two delivery drivers and two vans to purchase and deliver shopping to residents in need across the area.
You can contact the shop on 01843 593069.
Age UK
Offering support over the phone and help with shopping. Hot meals can also be delivered for £8 each.
Call 01843 223881
Ageless Thanet
A free telephone service for people aged 50 and above struggling with loneliness.
Call 01843 210005, email info@agelessthanet.org.uk or visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
Tonbridge and Malling
Community Support Helpline
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has set up a helpline for those in the shielding group or having to self-isolate. Volunteers can help provide food, support and befriending.
Register online by clicking here or call 01732 876152.
Covid-19 Tonbridge Support Group
A Facebook group with updates on how you can access food and provisions if you are self-isolating during the outbreak.
If you are vulnerable and can't get help from family or friends, you might be able to get support from the council, who can arrange for supplies to be delivered to you.
A Facebook group to help anyone in Headcorn or the surrounding area with shopping, dog walking, picking up medicine and various services offered by local volunteers and business.
A Facebook group to help vulnerable people living in Paddock Wood with shopping, picking up medicine and other needs.
To join click here or call 07385105340 for more information.
County-wide
Kent Together, Kent County Council
A support network for people who do not have family or friends they can call on for help during the pandemic.
If you requite assistance, fill out a form by clicking here or call the 24-hour helpline on 03000 419292.
Involve - Safe and Well
Involve has set up a telephone befriending service for vulnerable and isolated people who live in Maidstone, Tonbridge, Malling, Borough Green, the Weald, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and parts of Dover and Folkestone.
To see whether your eligible call 03000 810005 and choose option five or email safeandwell@involvekent.org.uk.
Facebook groups
If you are part of a general community group for your area or follow a Facebook page, you could always write a post asking for a little help. The groups often have thousands of members and so someone is likely to be able to offer assistance. Mention the vague area you live, the fact you're self-isolating and what you need help with and you'll get a notification if someone responds.
The Silver Line
A free, confidential helpline for people over 55, providing friendship and advice 24 hours a day, every day.
Call 0800 4 70 80 90
If you know of any other support groups helping vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic please email details to rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk.
