Making sure the borough’s residents have the food they need

Support is available to make sure residents across West Cheshire have access to the food they need during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working in partnership with charitable, voluntary and community groups, grassroots groups and neighbourhoods across the borough so that no-one goes without essential supplies.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Having access to food is such a basic human requirement and one that has, sadly, become a real struggle for some residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is heartening though to see how so many people and organisations have come together in the past few weeks, each playing their part to make sure that everyone has access to the support they need during this time.”

Residents who are isolated, have an underlying medical condition, are aged over 70 or who are struggling to afford food can visit the Livewell website at: livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for a range of key information and support, including details of shopping and delivery services provided by community groups in each area of the borough.

The Cheshire West Coronavirus Helpline is also available for residents who are not supported by family, friends or neighbours and who do not have access to the internet. This number is: 0300 123 7031 and it is available seven days a week from 8am to 7pm.

Residents claiming council tax reduction and experiencing hardship can also apply for financial and practical support through the Council’s Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme. For more information visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and search for HELP.

Anyone in the borough who falls into the shielding group, a priority group of extremely vulnerable people who will have received a letter from the NHS to isolate for 12 weeks, are being contacted directly by the Council to identify any support they might need.