Extremely vulnerable but no shopping!!

[Andy C]

I had the gov.uk letter over a week ago and registered online. I was given to understand that one of the major supermarkets would be in touch to allow me to shop online - but so far nothing!
This mornings news stated the lists of the extremely vulnerable had yet to be received by the supermarkets - so what is going on??
I'm full of praise for the way in which this very newly elected government have handled the current coronavirus situation but I have no one to shop for me and desperately want to be able to order online.

 

[Kaylz]

Have you checked the net and searched your local area to find out if there has been a volunteer group etc started? Many areas have done this to help the more vulnerable ones and these volunteers will see to your shopping, pick up prescriptions etc, online shopping isn't all that great atm anyway with many orders being delivered with only half the order there, substitutes being made etc, are there no local shops offering a delivery service? 3 of our corner shops are along with the butchers, greengrocers and a farm shop somewhere near by, I would never have expected that from my small pretty lame town at anytime but they see that people need help xx

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear the help has been a little slow in arriving for you @Andy C (welcome to the forum by the way!)

Checking out local ‘mutual aid’ initiatives is a good suggestion. There are lots of churches and community groups which are rising to the challenge and trying to help the most vulnerable.

This page might give you some pointers?

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK

covidmutualaid.org

Though a local search may also be worthwhile, as some seem to be organising themselves locally under ‘mutual aid’ or ‘mutual response’ titles.

As ever, with voluntary groups of unknown origin, just be a little cautious of what information and access you share, as while the vast majority are honest and helpful, there could be some rogues out there targeting vulnerable people.

 

[Toucan]

Hello @Andy C
In some areas the Citizens Advice service can provide a list of who will provide food delivery service. It might be worth checking on line.
In my area we also have an App available called 'Nextdoor' and they are organising a local shop and deliver service. If you can it might be worth seeing if there is one in your area.
I think the government scheme will get going eventually, but is taking a while to organise.

 

[MarkGeordie]

A lot of local authorities have set up hubs which will help go on your local authority website to see what they have in place.

 

[Flower]

Hello @Andy C welcome to the forum,

I do the shopping online for my housebound poorly Mum and couldn't find any of the main supermarkets with any slots so rang around small local shops to her and found a shop that was doing deliveries and thankfully have got a delivery of some bread, milk, veg etc for Friday. Maybe worth a ring around to see who else is delivering. Best Wishes.

 

[grovesy]

I had the gov.uk letter over a week ago and registered online. I was given to understand that one of the major supermarkets would be in touch to allow me to shop online - but so far nothing!
This mornings news stated the lists of the extremely vulnerable had yet to be received by the supermarkets - so what is going on??
I'm full of praise for the way in which this very newly elected government have handled the current coronavirus situation but I have no one to shop for me and desperately want to be able to order online.

My County council has what they have called the Essex Welfare Service, and they have started distributing food to those on their list. They are advising people who need help to contact them. I would check your local council to see what they are doing.

 

[KARNAK]

Hi @Andy C I have no more to add just want to welcome you to the forum.

 

[Ljc]

In my area my council has just set up a helpline for vulnerable people who need help ,including shopping, I suggest contacting your r council . Age UK maybe able to help too.

Is their a neighbour or friend who you could ask to collect some essentials to tide you over

 

[Amigo]

I had the gov.uk letter over a week ago and registered online. I was given to understand that one of the major supermarkets would be in touch to allow me to shop online - but so far nothing!
This mornings news stated the lists of the extremely vulnerable had yet to be received by the supermarkets - so what is going on??
I'm full of praise for the way in which this very newly elected government have handled the current coronavirus situation but I have no one to shop for me and desperately want to be able to order online.

Andy, I assume you’ve registered here;

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

On this you need to indicate a need for shopping assistance. From this a weekly Govt free parcel will arrive not contact from supermarkets. Unfortunately we still need to try and access those delivery slots online and even as a 12 week ‘shielded’ person and supposed vulnerable priority, slots are scarce. They’re supposed to be ramping up their availability but the supermarkets don’t contact us.
Your local Council will have online and phone numbers to their Community Care teams. Contact them and ask for help. I’m assuming you’re in England.

Good luck!

Amigo