Thousands of leaflets offering people vital support during the Covid-19 lockdown have been sent out across Harborough

Thousands of leaflets offering people vital support during the Covid-19 lockdown have been sent out by the district council across Harborough.

The letters are being hand delivered by the Royal Mail or Golden Media Group to every single home on the authority’s scattered, far-flung patch.

The double-sided leaflets are packed with vital information and critical contact numbers as the UK faces being locked down into next month.

And the huge logistical operation has been launched after council staff have worked flat out to tell residents – we are here for you.

Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, told the Harborough Mail: "It was important to us to ensure every household in the district received this important information - especially those who do not have internet access.

“We also provided large print and Braille versions of the letter for visually-impaired residents who have requested these formats from us in the past.”

Praising hard-working council staff, he added: “We pulled a lot of information together in a very short timeframe which will be hugely valuable to residents during this difficult period."

Cllr King tells residents in the letter: “Without doubt we are facing the most serious challenge to our normal way of life for many decades and I understand that this is an unsettling time for everyone.

“I have been heartened by the strong community spirit and fantastic initiatives which have rapidly sprung up across the district to support people during these difficult times.”

The council leader says that local people can now refer themselves, a loved one or someone in their community to the council’s Community Hub for urgent help.

Vulnerable people who are not being supported personally should contact the council urgently if they:

Need food and other essential supplies

Are feeling lonely and cut-off and would cherish a friendly phone call or text message

Need transport to medical appointments

Would like advice about staying active and exercises.

The authority’s Community Hub will prioritise:

People aged over 70

People with existing health conditions

Families struggling to cope.

To refer yourself or someone you are worried about visit: www.harborough.gov.uk/hd-community-hubYou can email [email protected] or call 01858 821232 from 9am-5pm.

Cllr King is also urging people to be on their guard against ruthless coronavirus scammers:

For advice call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 133

To report a scam call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed

Visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk for further information.

To stay bang up to date with Harborough council’s latest news and developments on the Covid-19 crisis keep an eye on: www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus