South Ribble Borough Council launches ‘South Ribble Together’

South Ribble Borough Council launches ‘South Ribble Together’ – a dedicated programme of work to support the community through the on-going COVID-19 crisis

South Ribble Together is a programme put in place by the council to help support the most vulnerable in the borough though the on-going COVID-19 crisis.

Those struggling and looking for help should call 01772 625 625 or email [email protected] without delay.

You can contact the team Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00 or email at any time.

The council has pulled together a dedicated team to take calls or emails from those in need of help and will deal with cases on the phone there and then, or will signpost residents to key organisations across the borough who can provide the vital help and support they need.

The council promises it will do what it can to provide help to whoever in our community who needs it.

The team are there to help individuals or businesses suffering:

· Financially;

· With ill physical or mental health or;

· Struggling to access vital services or

· Struggling to access food and medicines.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “We understand this is a difficult time and people will be facing a number of challenges over the coming days and weeks.

“We all find ourselves in an unprecedented situation and we are determined as a Council to offer help and support for those in our communities who need it.

“I urge anybody who is struggling to call the number or email us.

“We’re also encouraging people to check on those in their communities. If you suspect someone needs help – possibly a neighbour – let us know. We will do all we can to help. Please know you are not alone and our teams are here to help you.”

Already the council has gathered a database of those in the community they think will be vulnerable to the Covid-19 crisis. These people will be sent a letter outlining how they can seek support from the council during this trying time.

The council is also working to arrange support for those residents who have been asked to self-isolate by government for up to 12 weeks.

Councilor Mick Titherington, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said, “The Council is here to help our most vulnerable, but we can’t do this alone.

“Under the South Ribble Together programme we are working with key organisations from the public, charitable and voluntary sector to arrange a package of support we can offer to our residents during this time of great need.

“Over the coming days and weeks, we’re going to be reaching out to community groups and organisations who are willing to volunteer to help with this community recovery.

“We’ll ask anyone interested to keep up-to-date on our website www.southribble.gov.uk/southribbletogether and on social media @mysouthribble on Facebook or @southribblebc on Twitter to see how they can get involved.”

For more information on the programme and how you can get involved, please see www.southribble.gov.uk/southribbletogether or follow the council on social media at @mysouthribble on Facebook or @southribblebc on Twitter..

The council is also offering support businesses and for people struggling with council tax payments – please visit www.southribble.gov.uk for more information.