A HUB will be set up in each of Bradford’s five constituencies to help support communities during the Coronavirus pandemic – including by distributing food.

Bradford Council is teaming up with the NHS, Public Health England and the voluntary sector to find the best way to provide support to communities affected by COVID-19 coronavirus.

People wanting to volunteer to help during the coronavirus response should call Bradford Council on 01274 431000 to leave their name and contact details.

Vulnerable people who have a particular need can also leave their details which will be passed on to relevant services that will be able to assist them.

‘Everyone must play their part and be the best they can be in the fight against coronavirus’

The Council is setting up five constituency based co-ordination centres run by the voluntary and community sectors.

Along with food banks, they will help to distribute food to those needing it and also with co-ordinating volunteers to help people affected or self-isolating at home.

These could include but are not limited to:

•         Collect and deliver medication

•         Befriending / social support

•         Advice and signposting

•         Address potential additional needs at foodbanks

•         Pet care / dog walking

•         Check in via phone with people who may need it

•         Help a vulnerable person with practicalities like food shopping and deliveries.

•         Adding capacity to key services like social care and health in case of staff shortages

The partnership is also developing a smartphone app so volunteers can download information about how best to help and to pinpoint where help is most needed.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “We know that the response to coronavirus will bring out the best in people who will volunteer to help their neighbours in the spirit of #PeopleCan. Thank you to all the people who are already helping out in their neighbourhoods.

“By working in partnership with our colleagues in other services, we can organise the most effective ways for that selfless public-spirited behaviour to be used most effectively. There is some great work going on already and this new service will help to underpin those efforts.

“While these arrangements are being put in place, we would ask people to look after anyone in their neighbourhood who needs help.”