VOLUNTEERS are needed to help run a network of new hubs across Oxford to support people isolated by coronavirus.

Oxford City Council and voluntary organisation Oxford Hub have launched a series of centres to help those most in need across the city.

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Meanwhile, a call has gone out for volunteers to help those in need, with a councillor describing it as a chance to 'work together through the crisis'.

The five hubs across the city will cover north, south, east, west and central Oxford.

What help is available

The hubs are there to help people who:

  • have received a letter from the NHS identifying them as high-risk
  • need food bank support
  • have no local support from friends or family
  • have special physical and mental health needs
  • are 'vulnerable individuals or families'

Anyone in need of help can log their details and the kind of support needed on the Oxford Together website oxfordtogether.org

The city council as also changed how its contact centre works during the crisis and will provide a provide a single point of contact for the most vulnerable people in the city.

For these people, the contact centre number is 01865 249 811 or an online form is available at oxford.gov.uk/communityassistance

How you can volunteer

City councillor Marie Tidball said: "In this time, we might not be able to be together but our community can come together – event remotely – through volunteering and supporting the vulnerable and isolated people throughout the city.

"This city is working together to get through this crisis."

Oxford Mail:

Marie Tidball

People have already been helped by the hubs, including with food parcels and support for those feeling isolated.

The community hubs have been created in the past two weeks and are in addition to the health secretary’s 250,000 NHS volunteers announced on Tuesday.

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According to the city council, projects similar to this usually take months rather than weeks to co-ordinate.

Ms Tidball said preparation work on the hubs started ahead the government's guidance to set up local networks and was ahead of similar projects elsewhere in the UK.

What is available outside the city?

A new, dedicated line has been set up for Oxfordshire residents outside the city.

It is operational from 8.30am to 8pm Monday to Friday as of yesterday, and will be open 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone identified as high risk and who has no support network can call 01865 89 78 20. or email shield@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Anyone wishing to volunteer outside the city can visit oxfordshireallin.org