Dear resident,
Coronavirus support programme
We are writing to you to keep you informed of the actions that are being taken both nationally and locally to contain and ultimately defeat the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to reinforce the actions that we need you to take to help us in doing this.
Norfolk’s councils have been working with community, voluntary sector and other public sector organisations in the county to prepare for when a situation like this might arise, while making sure they provide support to those who need it in our communities. But we also need each and every one of our residents to take action and help protect themselves and others.
We ask that you please read through the whole of this letter, which offers practical advice and directs you to key support packages if you are struggling at this time.
1. Support for the vulnerable
The Government announced on Sunday that it would be stepping up to directly support about 1.5m people identified as vulnerable in communities across the country.
Some people will already have received a letter which asks them to contact a national helpline so support can be arranged for them. It is essential that we shield these people from the virus. As a county, we are aware this list will not identify all of the people in our communities that need assistance.
Therefore, if you are reading this letter and you are classed as vulnerable or you are in need of support, either now or in the coming weeks, please visit Norfolk County Council's coronavirus webpages or contact our designated phone line on 0344 8008020 and we will provide help. This line will be open from Monday (30 March).
2. Volunteering
Our community volunteers, local charities and council staff stand by to assist you. We ask that if you are able to volunteer some of your time to assist others in your community, we really need your help. If you are a business and can help with services, vehicles or other resources, we would love to hear from you, as together we really can make a difference. Individuals who want to volunteer should visit the Voluntary Norfolk website and businesses should email covidbusinessresponse@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk
3. Financial help
The Government has also provided a Hardship Fund and is putting in measures to help people. We’ll be updating our website regularly about this and other financial support, so please go to Norwich City Council's coronavirus pages.
4. Help for businesses
If you are a business in need of help, please visit the New Anglia Growth Hub website for free support, email Growthhub@newanglia.co.uk or call 0300 333 6536.
5. Donations
Finally, working with the Norfolk Community Foundation, we have launched a Norfolk Appeal Fund, which will be directed to charities on the front line of caring for people across the county. This fund will help us to support the people in our county who need it and is critical to our collective response. If you are able to support those in need in Norfolk, you can either go online to the Norfolk Foundation Covid-19 response fund webpage or through the post to:
COVID-19 Response Norfolk
Community Foundation
St James Mill
Whitefriars
Norwich
NR3 1TN
Cheques should be made out to Norfolk Community Foundation.
6. Government directive
It is essential that we take the direction we have been given by the Prime Minister and stay at home
The advice was clear – leave home only for:
- Shopping for basic necessities
- One form of exercise a day (on your own or in household groups)
- Or to care for a vulnerable person
- Travelling to and from work, only if absolutely necessary
7. Public health advice
Norfolk was one of the last counties in the country to have confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, but this should not give us any false assurance. We like the rest of the country have a rapidly escalating situation that requires us all to act and act now. We need to take the advice to stay at home – the virus does not spread itself, we spread it and we need to stop.
For updates, please visit your local councils' websites, Norfok County Council's coronavirus webpages and Norwich City Council's coronavirus webpags.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen Evans
Chief executive, Norwich City Council
Alan Waters
Leader of Norwich City Council
