Bentley has it's own Support Group if you need help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or just want to chat on the phone. Contact details of the group are given below -
There is also help available from the SUFFOLK COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES COVID-19 BOARD
The Home, But Not Alone Phoneline:
- Freephone: 0800 876 6926
- Staffed 9am to 5pm everyday
- It is designed to help the most vulnerable in our communities
- Last week the phoneline had approximately 1,300 calls
- The majority of calls are in relation to food deliveries and general enquiries
Below is just a snapshot of the great work going on as Suffolk comes together to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak:
- An elderly couple, both with severe medical conditions, contacted the phoneline when their neighbours, who usually provide support, needed to self-isolate. They had enough food for 3 days, but needed immediate help with medication. Following a conversation with their GP, a replacement prescription was organised for the next day, plus it was arranged that their medicine would be delivered from now on. The parish council were able to contact a group of volunteers and within one hour a volunteer had been in touch with the couple to collect a shopping list. This arrangement will stand until they no longer need help. The couple said they were very happy with this outcome and grateful for the support of the phoneline.
- The phoneline number was passed to a woman in her 80s by her GP. She had recently been discharged from the hospital and lives alone. She needed urgent help with her medical needs and was feeling very isolated and lonely. Her details were passed to Good Sam, an NHS volunteering hub, who within 2 hours had phoned the woman and sorted her medical need and arranged a weekly call. The woman was grateful for having ‘one less thing to worry about. I’m very impressed with how quickly it was done.’
- A referral was made by a couple’s son who lives out of the area. His elderly parents, both in their 80s, were unable to access shopping or prescriptions, but were both independent and content to make arrangements for themselves. A list of contact details for help and support in their local neighbourhood was shared with the son so they can plan for prescription deliveries and other supplies when required.
Phone calls are answered and cases managed by staff at each district, borough or county council depending on the type of enquiry. Wherever possible we link people in need with local groups and businesses, who are doing an amazing job in our communities. This phoneline is for vulnerable people in our communities, and not for general Coronavirus enquiries.