Derbyshire Times and council team up to provide latest lockdown news for vulnerable people
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Many elderly and at-risk people in the district have been left feeling lonely and isolated during the lockdown – cut off from the latest community news and information.
However, the Derbyshire Times and council leaders have joined forces to distribute copies of the newspaper to vulnerable households across the area.
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Hide AdNorth East Derbyshire District Council leader, Councillor Martin Thacker, said: “These difficult times have really shown how we can all come together as a district to help each other when it is needed most.
“Our residents called on us for help, and with the support of the Derbyshire Times I am incredibly pleased to say we can now offer these vulnerable residents support in accessing local information on the developing situation on a weekly basis by providing them with copies of the local newspaper.
“This pandemic has shown more than ever what a fantastic community spirit we have where businesses come together to help each other and their residents in their time of need.
“These small gestures go a long way to helping people who are feeling isolated and provide valuable information to keep their minds active and healthy.”
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Hide AdPhil Bramley, the DT's Head of Audience, said: "We know how important it is to get information out to the community right now - it can literally help save lives.
“We're really pleased to be working in partnership with the council to help get this vital news out to vulnerable members of the community - it shows what can be achieved at moments of crisis like this, when we all help and pull together."
The council’s Community Support Team has been in touch with more than 3,000 vulnerable residents during the pandemic to offer help and advice or just ‘a friendly voice on the phone’.
Team members are availablce seven days a week and the authority is asking for all residents who are vulnerable and self-isolating to register this information with them either online via the website or by calling 01246 231111.