PEOPLE in Swansea who have been receiving weekly food boxes while shielding are being directed to alternative support when shielding is suspended next week.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Wales has announced that those who had been shielding no longer needed to do so from August 16.
This affects around 9,000 people in Swansea and around 500 of them have been receiving weekly emergency food boxes under the Welsh Government scheme
These have been delivered directly to peoples’ doors by staff redeployed by Swansea Council but the last delivery will be Tuesday 11th August.
Even though shielding is suspended in Wales those told to shield will still be able to access priority supermarket delivery slots by using the same name and address that is on their CMO letter when they register.
Some local food shops and suppliers will also deliver food directly to peoples’ doors and the council maintains a list of these on its website.
People who do not have family, friends or neighbours who can help them with shopping and are unable to shop themselves can contact Swansea Council for Voluntary Service.
People who do not have enough money to buy food may be able to get help from their local food bank although some foodbanks require a referral.
Cllr Alyson Pugh, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Communities, said: “The current shielding scheme will end on August 16, but we want to reassure people that support will continue to be available from Swansea Council, working with partners in the voluntary sector and community groups.
“Your council will still be here for you and you can still contact us to discuss any support needs that you may have.
“Since we took over the delivery of the food boxes in June, we have made over 7,000 free food box deliveries to Swansea homes.
“This has provided a lifeline to many vulnerable and isolated individuals.
“The last deliveries of these parcels will be on Tuesday, (August 11) but after that, there is still support for people who had been told to shield.”
Swansea Council is writing directly to all those who had been told shield about the suspension of shielding in the next few days.
Useful contacts include:
Swansea Food Suppliers and Home Delivery: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/essentialsuppliers
Swansea Foodbanks: www.swansea.gov.uk/foodbanks
Swansea Council for Voluntary Service: https://www.scvs.org.uk/Opens new window
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