THE GOVERNMENT has called on councils to co-ordinate efforts to support local people affected by coronavirus.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is working alongside voluntary organisations to manage the response in the community and make sure that support, services and supplies reach everyone that needs them.

Cllr Richard Millard, leader of EHDC, said: “We are facing unprecedented times nationally and locally. We want to do everything we can as a council to assist those who are vulnerable in our communities.

“The government has placed a great responsibility on the shoulders of councils and their voluntary partners and to take up roles as community leaders.

“We are now focusing on providing the support our residents need during the crisis.”

EHDC is working in partnership with organisations such as Community First, Citizens Advice East Hampshire, the East Hampshire Primary Care Network and local town and parish councils to keep residents safe and well.

The council’s chief executive, Gill Kneller, said: “This is a challenging time and residents are relying on us to deliver the services they need.

“It may be that some of our staff are redeployed from their traditional roles to assist in this community support work.

“There are still many questions to answer but I can assure residents that we will do all we can to help the people most affected by coronavirus.”

Community First is co-ordinating volunteers who will make sure all our vulnerable residents are contacted and have what they need through this time.

If you are worried about how you’ll cope during the crisis, or if you have a relative who is vulnerable, please contact Community First on [email protected].

Anyone willing to volunteer for the community effort can also do so through www.volunteerwessex.org