Liverpool residents who are self-isolating or shielding due to Covid are now able to call for advice free of charge.
Liverpool City Council’s Covid isolation advice line has now become a freephone number meaning that all calls from mobile phones and landlines are free.
The new number is 0800 169 3032 and will be open from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
Residents can call 0800 169 3032 to access support that can include being signposted to foodbanks for emergency food deliveries, getting help with shopping or priority online supermarket slots, get help with financial problems and employment issues, as well as advice on how to contact mental health support or a friendly chat for those who are socially isolated.
Anyone calling the existing 0151 number will still be able to get through to an adviser until 1 April. From 1 April, people will be directed to the new freephone number until 31 May.
The council’s Coronavirus webpages also offer plenty of guidance and people can also ask for help by using the online form on www.liverpool.gov.uk/covidsupport
Cllr Paul Brant, cabinet member for social care and health said:
“The last 12 months have been tough for everyone, but some of our residents have been hit harder by the pandemic than others.
“Setting up the freephone number is another way of us supporting our residents and families by removing a financial barrier to getting advice and support if they have been told to self-isolate or need support because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.
“We’ll be working with partners to make sure that as many people as possible are aware of this new free number.”