Rugby council prepares to deliver food supplies to the borough's vulnerable residents

Rugby Borough Council is preparing to deliver emergency food supplies to vulnerable residents who have been identified as needing extra support.

The food parcels will be delivered those residents who have been instructed by the NHS to stay at home for 12 weeks because of medical conditions, and other residents who have been assessed as needing urgent support.

The service has been put in place for residents who are unable to get their own supplies and do not have family, neighbours or other support available from their communities.

It will continue throughout the travel and social restrictions that are in place to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The hub will also provide social and emotional support, while residents in financial hardship will be referred to Rugby Foodbank.

Cllr Seb Lowe, leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: "I know that the restrictions on going out and meeting people are having a significant impact, and this is being felt particularly strongly among residents who were already amongst our most vulnerable.

"Rugby Borough Council made it clear at the beginning of this pandemic that we are committed to building communities and supporting vulnerable residents.

"There are neighbourhood groups organising themselves across the borough to provide that essential support and we will put residents in touch where this is helpful.

"We have also compiled a directory of businesses that can deliver food to residents at home, and this may prove a useful option for some.

"But where there is no family nearby and these other support mechanisms are not available, we will step in.

"Our team has spent the past few days preparing and will soon start packaging and preparing food parcels for delivery.

"These members of council staff have redeployed from across the council to provide this service, and I am grateful for their long hours, hard work and commitment to the communities they serve."

For information on businesses that can deliver food supplies, or to add a business to the directory, see www.rugby.gov.uk/fooddelivery.

For information on neighbourhood groups that could support residents in their area see www.rugby.gov.uk/communitysupport.

Residents who have received a letter from the NHS and must isolate for 12 weeks should call the number on the letter to register for food and medical support.

Residents who have no other means of support can call Rugby Borough Council on 01788 533533 for further advice and assistance.

For general advice on financial support, changes to council services and support for businesses, see www.rugby.gov.uk/coronavirus.