HAMPSHIRE councils have launched a helpline to support the most vulnerable amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Residents who do not have support from families or friends and who need urgent assistance with essential food, household supplies and collection of medication, or who are at risk of loneliness can now call the new helpline set up by the local authorities.

Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council and the 11 borough and district councils across the county have joined forces with volunteers to support local residents.

The county council’s helpline called Hantshelp4vulnerable  is available seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm to provide advice and information, as well as co-ordinate requests for practical help.

Residents’ requests will then be passed through to the appropriate Local Response Centre across the 11 districts.

The service is available for all county residents except from those living in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, where different arrangements have been made.

Graham Allen, county council’s director of adults’ health and care, said: “Many have trusted friends, family and neighbours they can call on for support, but where this is not the case, local public, private and voluntary sector partners are urgently working together to ensure that people’s needs are met, so that the right help reaches people at the right time.”

Southampton City Council has also launched its own helpline to support residents across the city.

It will be open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and will provide emergency food and social contact, if needed, to those who have registered for support .

It will also connect  people to voluntary organisations and community groups and link residents to an appropriate service.

The authority has also launched a Southampton Community Support Hub for those

whoare unable to rely on family or friends for adequate practical support.

City councillor Steve Leggett said: “We know there are some households who may be struggling to access support and our community hub will aim to address this gap.”

The council said it is also working with NHS Southampton City CCG and Saints Foundation to co-ordinate the collection and delivery of medications for those who do not have a family or friends network in place for support.

The county council helpline can be contacted on 0333 370 4000.

For the city council helpline call 023 8083 4800.