Important advice and help for those who are ‘shielding’ at home

Due to your existing health conditions, you are at the
highest risk of severe illness if you catch coronavirus. You
will have had a letter from the NHS advising you to stay at
home and avoid all face-to face contact.

On 31 May the Government updated the advice and those
who are shielding can leave their homes. You are advised
to stay at home as much as possible and keep visits outside
to a minimum (for instance once per day). If you choose
to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of
your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time
outdoors with one person from another household (ideally
the same person each time).

It is important that you continue to follow this advice, rather
than advice for the general public, as it is specific to you.
The Government is currently advising people to shield until
the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.
Everyone who is shielding should register
with the government support website,
www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Where can I get help?

Getting help with food and other essentials

Please ask family, friends, neighbours or local community
groups to support with daily tasks outside the home. If you
do not have anyone who can help you, please visit
www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
There are lots of services in your area to help you manage staying
at home, including help with food delivery, collecting medication,
benefit support, tips to keep active, and look after your wellbeing.
Visit your local council’s website, or call NHS Volunteer
Responders on 0808 196 3646 to request support.

Getting help with healthcare and medication from home

Have someone else collect your medication from your local
pharmacy for you, or contact your pharmacy to arrange for your
medication to be delivered.

You can also visit www.nhs.uk/health-at-home to order you
repeat prescriptions, and for more information about how to
access NHS services online. If you can’t access the internet, or need
advice on your medication, call your GP to make arrangements so
that your medication doesn’t run out.

Looking after your health

The NHS is still here for you. If you feel unwell or have any
concerns about your existing medical condition, please contact
your GP. It is important you do not wait if you need medical help.
Most appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare
professional will now be via a phone call, and if you are advised
that you do need to see a clinician in person, the NHS has put
measures in place to make sure patients are seen safely.

You should also continue to attend appointments for ongoing
treatment, unless you have been told not to.
It is important to look after your wellbeing too, visit www.nhs.
uk/health-at-home or call your GP practice if you’re struggling to
cope and they can refer you to the right NHS service for you.

Getting help with getting to and from appointments

NHS Volunteer Responders can help with transport home after
being discharged from hospital. You can get support by calling
0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm.

Key websites and phone numbers

• Government advice on how to protect yourself and
access the care and treatment you need
www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
• Help with collecting medication, necessities, and more
www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk
or call 0808 1963646
• Visit your local council website and search
‘Coronavirus’, or phone your council
• Employment and financial support
www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support
• Mental health support
If you live in:
– The City or Hackney call: 020 7683 4278
– Newham or Tower Hamlets call: 020 8475 8080
– Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge or
Waltham Forest, call: 0300 555 1000.
Published May 2020If you would like advice about shielding in another language
or format, please email thccg.nelcommunications@nhs.net

Leaflet for those who are shielding at home