Wellbeing Exeter community hub launches

£1 million input from Chiefs and City Council

A new support service has been launched in Exeter to help people get through the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Exeter Community Wellbeing, set up by the City Council and the Wellbeing Exeter partnership, will offer help to communities including those individuals who are self-isolating as a result of the virus.

The service includes a website and telephone hotlines to hear from people and organisations who want to offer their help and support to the community response.

It will then be able to co-ordinate practical support for those being advised by the NHS to stay at home for 12 weeks and apart from their family members.

The news comes as a £1 million community action fund has also been launched by Exeter City Council and Exeter Chiefs Community Foundation. It will enable community groups and organisations to get rapid access to small grants, to allow them to work on local projects to support those people and communities most affected by the pandemic.

City Council Leader Phil Bialyk, said: “We have set up Exeter Community Wellbeing to assist individuals and community groups to help and support each other during this challenging time.

“There are already many great examples of people coming together to look out for each other. We want to nurture this and do all we can so that neighbourhoods have as much help as they need to look after each other and get help and support to those likely to need it most.

“This is a light touch ‘matching’ service linking people who need help with local people and groups who want to help,” said Cllr Bialyk.

As part of the new service, Exeter Community Wellbeing want to hear from the following:

• Individuals, community groups or networks who would like to offer activities or support
• Community groups supporting people in relation to Coronavirus who would like information, advice, resources or funding
• Community organisations offering staffing or other resources
• Individuals, families, organisations or companies offering help and resources
• Residents who would like practical support because they are self-isolating because of coronavirus
• Anyone caring for or aware of someone, who would benefit from practical support because of coronavirus .

To get involved, visit www.exeter.gov.uk/wellbeing to complete a simple online form. 

Those unable to go online can call 01392 265000 between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 12 noon on Saturdays and Sundays.