If you are a local resident of the New Forest and you are seeking assistance with your weekly food shop, collection of medication, or are at risk of loneliness, there are people who can help you. If you are looking to volunteer to help your local community, the information below may also be helpful to you too and point you in the right direction to sign up and help those in need.
New Forest District Council (NFDC) have lots of useful advice and contact details on their website for those in need of help, including information about the Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline. This helpline is available seven days a week, from 9am-5pm, and is for vulnerable people who do not have support from families, friends or their local community, and who need urgent assistance with practical issues. The telephone number to call is 0333 370 4000.
There have also been a lot of new websites and Facebook Groups created, where you can find more specific information about your town or village. These websites and groups include how to get help with essential needs, updates on your local businesses, information on local deliveries and takeaways, virtual events and lots more useful information. Please note these groups are independent of the Council and have been set up by local individuals. The listing of them here is not an endorsement and we would urge everyone to be aware of potential fraud and to follow advice at
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.
Please see below for more details of these local COVID-19 community groups...