New hotline
A new hotline has been set up by Leeds City Council for those who feel particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and have no friends or family to help them. Please call 0113 378 1877 Leeds is the first council to do this. I am very proud of our city and all those who are committing their time to the welfare of others.
Volunteering
Volunteers who signed up through my volunteer database have been sent to Voluntary Action Leeds who are administrating (provided you gave permission for details to be passed on). You should expect an email from them directly soon regarding an induction. I will be part of the local coordination on the ground. Those who have not given me the permission to pass on your details but still want to volunteer please email info@val.org.uk or phone 01132797920
NHS Volunteering
The NHS is looking for up to 250,000 volunteers to help up to 1.5 million people who have been asked to shield themselves from coronavirus because of underlying health conditions. For more information please see https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/your-nhs-needs-you-nhs-call-for-volunteer-army/
Police powers and lockdown
Police haven’t had any powers put in place to enforce the lockdown procedures yet. This is likely to change in coming hours and days. In meantime if people feel their workplace is putting people at risk by asking them to work they can call 101 and ask that the police assess this for essential working. This can be done anonymously.
And Finally
Stay safe. Stay indoors. Remember you should only leave the house for limited shopping trips, one form of exercise per day, for medical treatment or for work if you are a key worker and it is not possible for you to work from home.