Thousands of food parcels delivered to vulnerable in Hertfordshire, councillors are told

Across the county there are known to be more than 24,500 who are ‘extremely vulnerable’ to the virus – and who have been advised to ‘self-isolate’ for 12 weeks.

And for those who can’t be supported by family and friends, the county council is co-ordinating the delivery of food parcels and medicines.

At a meeting of the county council’s special cabinet panel on Wednesday (May 6) it was reported that 10,870 food parcels had already been delivered.

And, it was reported, volunteers from the Hertfordshire Constabulary and the county’s Fire and Rescue Service have delivered more than 300 prescriptions too.

However there were some concerns raised at the meeting that some residents had received food parcels they had not needed – and others had received parcels that didn’t meet their dietary requirements..

Helen Maneuf, assistant director of planning and resources, told councillors that in addition to the operation being co-ordinated by the council, some parcels were being issued by the government.

And she said that whereas the council called residents before sending out the parcels, the government did not.

She said there was a way for residents to contact the government directly, but she accepted that this wasn’t a particularly easy process to manage.

Meanwhile it was also reported to councillors that 9500 volunteers had been recruited to support those who were self-isolating or who were vulnerable, but who had not received a letter from the NHS.

It was reported that 3000 of those volunteers had been deployed so far, through organisations TeamHerts, Watford3RT and Communities 1st.

But that there had been “some frustration” from volunteers who had not yet been allocated a role.

“A surge of requests is expected from voluntary sector organisations for more volunteers but as of yet, this has not materialised,” says the report.

“However, it is recognised that there will come a time when the organisations will need to build on their current resources; take on more volunteers to meet demand and ensure their core volunteers can take a well-earned rest. It is assumed that the most vulnerable residents are going to need support from their communities for some considerable time.”

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