The Scottish Government have launched a new national helpline for those who do not have family or community support. The new national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The new helpline can be contacted on 0800 111 4000
The service which opened on 14th April will offer help to those who do not have family or existing community support who are:
- over 70
- disabled
- require the support of mental health services
- are pregnant or
- receive a flu jab for health reasons.
This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves. However, any of those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving assistance can also access support via this new helpline.
The helpline – 0800 111 4000 – will initially operate between 9am and 5pm but plans are developed and implemented to extend it to operate for a longer period each day.
Callers will be automatically connected to their local authority who will support them to access the service they need, such as:
- essential food and medication
- links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults
- emotional support
- contact with local volunteer groups
BSL users will be able to use the contactSCOTLAND – BSL service to call this number and Relay UK can be used for non BSL users.
The Relay UK service provides a centralised relay service for people who are deaf and/or without speech. This can be accessed by the app or by text phone.
contactSCOTLAND –BSL service can be accessed by people who are deaf or deafblind and use BSL.
Find out more about the new helpline on this video from the Scottish Government