Coronavirus (COVID 19): How to get support from the SSDC Wellbeing Hub

03 April 2020 | District

UPDATE: As of 6 May, our hub has distributed 410 food and vital supply parcels to those most in need.

South Somerset District Council is continuing to ensure that our communities receive all the help they need during the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes offering extra support in areas where our residents need it most.

A big addition to this extra support is the brand new pop up SSDC Wellbeing Hub which has been set up to supply food parcels and other supplies to South Somerset residents in most urgent need. The Hub is making deliveries to residents who are shielding or who fit the criteria where they are recognised as vulnerable.

Many SSDC staff were redeployed to work around the clock to get the Wellbeing Hub in place. The project has been led by managers from our Commercial Services team who have worked alongside a wide range of staff from across the Council and partners including Yeovil Town Council, supermarkets (including Tesco and Co-op) and many other suppliers who have offered help and donations of which we are so grateful. Staff from our closed venues at Westlands and the Ninesprings Café have used our catering kitchens to split down catering packs of pasta and rice to make more manageable packet sizes to go in the food boxes.

To cope with the ongoing future need, many members of staff have now moved from their usual roles to help our Connect team handle the extra calls that will be coming in to request food parcels, and our Entertainment Box Office team will be processing the orders before our Environment Service colleagues go out to deliver them. It’s all hands to the pump and everyone is doing their bit.

So how will this help you if you need to use this service? Here some questions we think might be asked.

How do I get a food parcel?

Residents who are shielding who have NOT received a food parcel from the Government and residents who are assessed as vulnerable can now call 01935 462462 to find out if they are eligible.

How much do they cost?

Shielded people (as identified by the NHS) will get their first food parcel free. Vulnerable people will pay a set fee depending on the size of parcel required. £26 for a single person, £30 for couples and £52 for families of 4-5 people. This service is non-profit and delivery is free.

What is in the food parcel?

All goods are non-perishable and should give a broad choice of food needed to prepare balanced meals. The parcels also include toilet rolls, cleaning and hygiene products.

How long does it take to get a food parcel?

Most food parcels will be delivered the next day between 10am and 4pm.

If this self-isolating goes on for some time, what happens if I need a repeat order?

You can email or phone an order through to the team. Your details will have been saved making ordering and paying quicker.

How often can I order?

Box contents are built around a weeks’ worth of food, re-ordering shouldn’t be required under this time period.

Can I book a time slot?

No, deliveries will usually be next day and between 10am and 4pm.

What if I have not received a shielding letter?

Shielding letters come from the NHS. Your GP or hospital will have provided names of patients that they consider vulnerable & require shielding. If you have not received a letter and feel you should have one, then you should contact them.

If you need urgent medical advice, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus