Graham Stuart MP puts out call to co-ordinate volunteering following increased measures against coronavirus

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, has put out a call to local charities and community groups, to endeavour to co-ordinate efforts to support those who may have to go into self-isolation as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak currently gripping the country.

As of 16th March, the official Government guidance to lessen and delay the spread of coronavirus in the UK changed, so that should any member of a household shows symptoms of Covid-19, the entire household should self-isolate for 14 days in order to slow the spread of the virus.

In addition to this, people in certain vulnerable groups – such as those over the age of 70 and those with underlying health conditions – will be advised to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks. Furthermore, members of the public are being advised to stay away from social gatherings such as pubs, clubs, and theatres.

Recognising the potentially significant adverse effects that an extended period of time in self- isolation could have on those who are made to stay indoors, Graham has called for a co-ordinated volunteering effort to take place for vulnerable residents in the area.

Graham said, “It’s been affirming to see the levels of support being offered on social media in the face of emergency measures being put in place that are unprecedented in recent times.

“But I think it’s important that efforts in the area are co-ordinated so that authorities and groups can identify those who are most in need and support can be directed to them accordingly. It’s also right that the appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed where necessary, which is why a joined-up approach would be a good thing.

“I have been supporting Cllr Jacob Birch in his efforts to direct people to forms of support, as he has created a survey for those in need of help, or those who are willing to offer help – by going to pick up supplies for those in self-isolation – to sign up. Their details can then be passed onto the relevant community organisation. The survey can be found on both my and
Jacob’s Facebook pages.

“But I’d also encourage groups who are helping out in their local community to get in touch with me, as I’ll be working with the council on their response. My contact details can be found on my website. The more connected the support is, the better.”

The MP has also spoken to East Riding Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) after being contacted by several local care homes worried about the future provision of supplies and a lack of advice provided by national and local government. The CCG confirmed that they and the council were in the process of establishing an Adult Social Care Incident Response Centre to support care homes with issues.

Graham has also been in contact with Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble of Humberside Police, who is the Deputy Chair of the Humber Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which is a multi-agency partnership of emergency services, the NHS, public services and others; and will be working with the local authority to support people in the region.

The Government has confirmed that additional military personnel have been drafted in to bolster LRFs as they support local authority elements of Covid-19 response plans.

Graham added, “Clearly the impact of Covid-19 is going to be felt for some months at the very least, and the Government is exploring all options to support people, businesses, and public services. People are being encouraged to work from home where possible, and significant proportions of the workforce could be ill at any one time, which is why we’re implementing measures to either cut costs or help bridge cashflow issues.

“This includes support with council taxes, business rates and statutory sick pay. I would also encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties – or worried about their future position – to contact their bank, as many are offering assistance with mortgages and other debts. This is in addition to an official 3-month holiday to mortgage repayments announced on Tuesday.

“The Chancellor set out further support on Tuesday in the form of an initial £330 billion’s worth of loans to help businesses, and exempting all businesses in the hospitality sector from their business rates.”