New central hub launches to support Manchester’s most vulnerable residents

A new central hub is launching today which will coordinate vital support for Manchester’s most vulnerable people, to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

Manchester City Council staff will be redeployed to a bespoke call centre in the Town Hall Extension to get help to people in the greatest need.

This will initially include: people over the age of 70 who are self isolating and have no support network; people who have received a letter from the NHS advising they are at higher risk or are medically vulnerable according to government criteria; and those who are self-isolating with no support networks such as friends or family.

There will be assistance with the delivery of food and medication, as well as managing fuel top-up payments and helping to combat loneliness.

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown into stark light the difficulties that vulnerable people face when existing support structures are taken away.

Manchester City Council, along with its business, voluntary and community sector partners, say they will try to relieve some of the immense pressure being faced by essential frontline services.

“As Manchester has shown time and time again our strength lies in our ability to bind together in times of great uncertainty,” said Councillor Bev Craig, executive member for adult health and wellbeing at Manchester City Council.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the most stark challenges we have ever had to face as a city and we cannot shy away from the difficulties we will face.

“We will be judged on how we helped people in greatest need during this crisis and I am certain that we will not fail them.

“This hub will provide a vital link between people at risk, and those who are able to help them.”

The number for people to call from Monday 30th March is: 0800 234 6123. The service will run six days a week, Monday to Saturday, between 8.30am and 5.30pm.