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We have set up a single point of contact for vulnerable people to ask for the extra help they may need as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
In order to get some help for yourself or someone you are concerned about you can either:
- Call the City Council Contact Centre on 01865 249 811: this will take you through to the City Council's main phone line which can help signpost you to the right support. The Contact Centre is staffed 8am to 5pm, with emergency cover out of hours.
- Support workers and community groups can refer clients for support via our online referral form (residents cannot self-refer using this form and instead should call us on 01865 249811).
Who should use the contact centre
The contact centre has been set up to get support to those most in need:
- People who have received a letter from the NHS identifying them as high risk
- those who need help accessing food support
- those with no local support from friends or family
- with physical and mental health needs
- vulnerable individuals and families
What support is available?
Support from our contact centre
The contact centre offers help for emergency needs and can put you in touch with a range of support from the Council and other partners:
- Signposting to urgent supplies of medicine, food, or sanitisation for a baby or infant
- Connection to a local support group
- Welfare checks for neighbours if you are concern for their wellbeing
- Signposting to Citizens Advice Bureau for additional advice and support
- Referral to Welfare Reform Team if you are struggling to pay your rent and you are affected by any of the Welfare Reforms
Please note the Council will not be providing food parcels, but we will be working with partner organisations to help residents access food.
Other sources of support
If you need additional help, you can find it for a range of issues from these links:
- food support services: find local organisations who are offering food support services in Oxford, including free and low cost food
- local volunteer help: Neighbours, groups and organisations across the city are coordinating voluntary support. Find out what's happening in your area through your locality hub/local community centre or Live Well Oxfordshire.
- keeping busy and active: our Activity Hub is an online listing of different Oxford and national web sites for physical and mental health activities, museums and culture, learning resources and ways to keep in touch online. You could get also get involved with volunteering and there are remote opportunities too.
- shopping from Oxford businesses: find local businesses that are still open even though their shop or office is closed, from fresh food to books and music
- latest news on our coronavirus response: read our latest news on our response to coronavirus to find out what is happening in Oxford
- City Council service changes due to coronavirus: read our latest guidance and service information in response to the coronavirus
- County Council service changes due to coronavirus: read about changes to County Council services and the latest county-wide guidance
- Turn2US - get support with Coronavirus and find out what support may be available to you through benefits, grants and other help
Help for highest risk Oxfordshire residents outside the city
A new, dedicated line has been set up for Oxfordshire residents outside the city.
If you or someone you know outside the city has been identified as high risk and has no support network, please contact the dedicated team on 01865 89 78 20 or email shield@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
The helpline is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
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