A SINGLE phone number is now available for anyone in Somerset who needs Coronavirus-related support from their councils.

The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline number – 0300 790 6275 – is now live and will make it easier for people access any local authority help they may need, including emotional support, in the current crisis.

It links together the district and county council contact centres and will be operating seven days a week, 8am to 6pm.

It does not cover medical advice, for which people will need to continue to use the 111 NHS online service and only ring 111 if they cannot get help online.

The district and county councils’ usual phone numbers will be running as normal alongside the new number for non-coronavirus related issues.

Anyone who cannot find help within their own local networks and volunteers can use the new number to get help and advice around:

* Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions

• Support for the homeless

* Transport to medical appointments

• Waste collection and disposal

• Financial support

Callers will be asked to describe the support they require and will be connected with others for resolution. 

Anyone interested in volunteering, for example helping people with shopping or picking up prescriptions, can go to https://www.corona-helpers.co.uk/ to register.