Hampshire helpline for residents to register for support

While waiting for Hampshire County Council to set up a dedicated support helpline for those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been directing vulnerable residents to call us to register for support. The contact centre has received a large volume of calls coming through from residents who need support with access to basic supplies. We continue to respond to the enquires as swiftly as possible, dealing with some calls directly, signposting to community groups where appropriate or escalating to Hampshire County Council who are dealing with the most vulnerable. 

Acting as the main co-ordination point for all district community hubs, Hampshire County Council has now set up its hotline. The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline – Hantshelp4vulnerable - can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. The helpline is available seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. 

Vulnerable residents who need additional support, and do not have support from family or friends, should call the helpline to register for support. The county council will resolve complex cases and will pass on most other enquiries to ourselves as the local community hub to arrange support, such as deliveries of food. If your volunteers come across anyone who they are concerned about, they should report this to us by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Support for high risk residents

Those people identified at risk of severe illness as a result of underlying medical conditions that make them more likely to be admitted to hospital have been written to directly by the NHS. They have been told that they should not leave home for at least 12 weeks. They have been advised that if they do not have friends, family or neighbours who can provide support, they should follow the instructions in their letter to register for help to access food, medicine and social contact via gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable. Although the NHS is leading the support for this group, further support may be required from our local hub over the coming weeks. 

Volunteers and registering groups

We are continuing to work closely with Basingstoke Voluntary Action to co-ordinate community support in our borough during the COVID-19 outbreak. Volunteers or local volunteer groups should visit www.bvaction.org.uk/coronavirus-volunteering or call 01256 423852 to register. 

Funding available

Ahead of further funding announcements, BVA has secured initial £300 grants available to all designated hubs across the borough to help with cash flow when purchasing essential items on behalf of residents. These grants can either be paid directly into a charity/organisational bank account or made available via distribution of a pre-paid currency card that can be used in shops to purchase items and topped up centrally by us where needed. 

All hubs received details on Friday of this scheme and several have returned their agreements ready for funds to be made available. If your group has not yet returned your agreement, please do this as soon as possible and confirm how you wish to access the funds. 

Those unable to pay for shopping

We are working closely with Spotlight who are sourcing and delivering food parcels themselves or through more local support. The Basingstoke Foodbank continues to provide food for those unable to afford food and we are referring onwards to both as appropriate. If you are in need of food parcels for people in your area who are unable to pay for shopping or cannot currently access funds, please let us know. 

Supporting volunteers

It is important that volunteers providing support take precautions to protect their own safety and the safety of others. We urge all volunteers to adhere to Government’s guidance on how to volunteer safely. Information and support is also available through the local Council for Voluntary Service. I would like to reassure you that we are urgently looking to acquire protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, to provide to volunteers carrying out their duties and we will keep you updated. 

As you will be aware, police have stepped up patrols and will be speaking with people who are outside to determine the reason for this. We are conscious that while carrying out their duties, volunteers may be approached. To help you, we have drafted the letter attached for your volunteers to carry with them. 

Contacting us

We will keep you updated on the progress and issues that arise as part of the community hub work. If your volunteers or group has any queries, I will be acting as your personal support contact during the COVID-19 outbreak so don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

 For the latest coronavirus updates from the borough council:

• Webpage www.basingstoke.gov.uk/coronavirus
• Facebook @BasingstokeGov
• Twitter @BasingstokeGov
• Resident news Basingstoke & Deane Today online  

Community hubs network

• Basingstoke Voluntary Action 

Other useful links for advice and information

• Government advice
• Health guidance
• Check your symptoms
• BBC