AN OPERATION bolstered by the military to help deliver vital supplies to those most at risk from coronavirus has begun in St Helens.

The government announced plans last week to use the army to distribute food and supplies to some of the extremely vulnerable people who have been asked to ‘shield’ and stay home for at least three months.

Since then, St Helens Council, St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group, local partners and volunteers have been working to establish a community hub.

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The council and partners have also been working to identify who falls into the group who require shielding as well as other vulnerable groups in need of support.

Over the weekend, the first national supplies were received and are now being distributed across St Helens, with those most in need prioritised and receiving parcels on Sunday.

Over the coming weeks those identified as most at risk and requiring shielding will receive packages direct from the government to their homes, with those who fall under wider vulnerable groups continuing to receive support and supplies from the council and partners.

Cllr David Baines, leader of St Helens Council, said: “This is an operation unlike any other that we as a council have ever had to undertake.

“Working with our partners alongside a growing army of volunteers we have been working as quickly as we can to create a community hub that will act as the heart of our plans to support the most vulnerable through these difficult times.

“We know that for those we need to shield from coronavirus (COVID-19) this is a really anxious time but we are doing all we can to protect you and via the delivery of government provided food supplies, together with generous residents’ contributions and donations from local businesses who are members of our St Helens Ambassadors programme, we can make sure that there are essentials there to help.”

The supplies provided by the government have been bolstered with supplies generously donated by residents, local businesses, ambassadors and various community and faith groups.

A number of local businesses and ambassadors have donated food and packaging including Co-op distribution at Lea Green, CostCo and Amazon.

Packages are put together using a list of basic food and toiletries and then distributed to those identified as vulnerable and at risk.

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Calls are now also being made by council and NHS workers to establish if family and friends are supporting the most vulnerable.

Where this is not the case, staff are ensuring they receive the support and supplies they need.

If anyone wants to volunteer or requires help they are urged to visit www.sthelenstogether.co.uk or call 01744 676767.