THE Vale council has created a crisis support team to help the most vulnerable people in need of support during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Welsh Government has written to 88,000 people across Wales with underlying health conditions asking them to remain at home for 12 weeks as they are most at risk during the crisis.

Those individuals who live in the Vale are being contacted by the council and asked what arrangements they have in place regarding food shopping, medication collection and emotional support.

Where friends or family cannot assist, the crisis support team will offer a free weekly food parcel to be delivered by Welsh Government.

Alternatively, in partnership with Age Connects and Glamorgan Voluntary Service, the team can organise for shopping to be carried out on an individual’s behalf.

Befriending and other wellbeing support is also available, while local pharmacists should be able to help with the delivery of medicine.

Vale council cabinet member for social care and health, Cllr Ben Gray said: “The restrictions put in place to deal with coronavirus mean this is a difficult time for everyone, but that is particularly true for the vulnerable members of our community.

“Many with underlying health conditions have been asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks, a situation that can make it difficult to obtain essentials such as food and medicine.

“To address this the council has formed a crisis support team that is currently in the process of contacting 3,500 people across the Vale to ask if they need any assistance.

“The team can make arrangements for food to be delivered and also signpost individuals to available support for loneliness and other wellbeing issues at what is a very frightening time for some.

“I am grateful to the Council’s partners, Glamorgan Voluntary Services and Age Connects, as well as other community groups for their support in this venture.”

Other vulnerable residents can also contact the crisis support team by calling 01446 729592, from 8am to 5pm ,Monday to Friday.

At other times calls will be redirected to an emergency out-of-hours line.

This number is only for use by vulnerable residents.

All other enquiries will be forwarded to the council’s contact centre.

The crisis support team is one part of the council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

More information, including details about community groups and businesses offering support, can be found on valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/ValeHeroes