Ashfield District Council says it has been going the extra mile to ensure the most vulnerable members of the community have the support they need.

The Council has been working on a programme of welfare checks in place to help residents across the District during the pandemic.

Coun Kier Barsby, Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure, wrote to over 15,000 over 70s across Ashfield to provide all the information they might need to access support. The Council also wrote to all tenants housed within its nine sheltered courts.

Almost 1,400 Lifeline users have received a telephone welfare check enquiring about their wellbeing and whether they need any additional support.

Housing and Community Protection Officers have also carried out physical welfare checks. These are undertaken as and when Nottinghamshire County Council have not been able to make contact. Visits have been undertaken in Sutton, Kirkby and Hucknall.

Councillor David Shaw, Support Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Health at Ashfield District Council said: “The health and safety of our residents is our top priority. In these difficult times I’m proud of the work our teams have carried out to help Ashfield’s most vulnerable. We continue to follow government guidance and are closely monitoring the advice from Public Health England.

“I’m also very proud of this Council’s continued excellent standard of service delivery throughout the pandemic, having not dropped a single frontline service. Our officers are very grateful for the hundreds of thank you messages that have been received from the public.

“I also want to thank the fantastic work of the voluntary sector in Ashfield, it’s been brilliant to see such amazing community spirit shown by so many people.”

For more information on how to volunteer or how to access help, go to the Ashfield District Council Coronavirus webpage at www.ashfield.gov.uk/coronavirus