The Home, But Not Alone service, which includes an emergency helpline, was set up in Suffolk during the first nationwide lockdown and the team continue to work hard supporting our communities during the pandemic.
Please click here to view our emergency helpline information (PDF, 840KB).
If you live in Suffolk and you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, the Home, But Not Alone helpline is in place to assist you with any questions you may have, or in locating additional support you may need. The phone number has not changed. Support can be accessed again on 0800 876 6926. The phonelines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Visit GOV.UK for more information about the restrictions for clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Reaching out to your family, friends and/or local community to help you during lockdown, if possible, is still encouraged in the first instance.
Support available
NHS volunteer responders
The NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme is in place to support people in England who are clinically extremely vulnerable or needing to self-isolate. The Scheme is in place until at least March 2021. NHS Volunteer Responders can support you with:
- collecting shopping, medication (if your friends and family cannot collect them for you) or other essential supplies
- a regular, friendly phone call from volunteers or from other people who are clinically extremely vulnerable or self-isolating
- transport to medical appointments
Please call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm to arrange support or speak to your health care professional for transport support. Find out more at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.
Home, But Not Alone
If you need urgent help and have no other support, call the Home, But Not Alone helpline.
The helpline is primarily available to clinically extremely vulnerable people who:
- do not have access to support available from friends, family or immediate community
- are struggling for food, medicines or other essential supplies
- are feeling lonely and isolated
Call handlers will be able to provide answers to any questions you may have or link you with local groups and shops who are providing support or services to their local communities.
Call the Home, But Not Alone helpline on 0800 876 6926. Calls are answered from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can still use the Home, But Not Alone phoneline if you can't hear or speak on the phone. Download the Relay UK app and dial 18001 then 0800 876 6926.
If you don't need urgent help
If you need support but it isn't an emergency, you may be able to find help by using the information below.
Food deliveries
How can I get medicine delivered to me?
Can I get tested for coronavirus?
I'm worried about money, rent, mortgage or other bills
I'm worried about paying council tax
I'm worried that my business may have to stop operating
I usually get help with cleaning my house / gardening / walking my dog, what can I do?
I care for someone but am self-isolating myself
I'm on my own / lonely / struggling with my mental health
Can I register as a clinically extremely vulnerable person?
Have my council’s services changed or stopped, e.g. bin collections or park opening times?
Other useful links and numbers
- Visit suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus for local information on health, schools, business and service changes
- National domestic violence 24-hour helpline: 0808 200 0247
- Mental health helpline, called First Response, run by the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust: 0808 196 3494
- For any police matters please visit suffolk.police.uk