Help Your Neighbour
We're in this together
Looking out for our neighbours
It's now more important than ever that we reach out to the people around us. So many of you have kindly offered to help those who live close to you by picking up medication and shopping, or even having a friendly chat on the phone. It's people like you who are making such a huge difference to those who are lonely or vulnerable.
We have created this scheme to help provide you with some guidance and materials and to let you know what we are doing to help those who are most vulnerable.
We are also working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, to support those most at risk through their community hub. You can contact the Community Hub if you, or someone you know, need help, or if you want to volunteer your services in these difficult times. This will be available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. The best way to contact the hub is online, if you have access. A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.
Finally, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our residents and businesses who have also wanted to help their friends and neighbours. To help you, we have produced some key guidance and some downloadable materials to help you on your way.
Community guide and flyers
Here you can download and print our 'looking out for your neighbour' flyer, which can be posted through the doors of your neighbours to offer support and give them advice on safe ways to accept help.
We have also created a new Supporting our Communities flyer, which includes vital contact numbers, email addresses and web addresses to help you and others access a variety of support easily and quickly. You can view this here and print it out for yourself or for anyone you think would benefit from it.
We have also updated our community guide, which includes all the key information, contacts, and guidance you need all in one place. You can find this on our Coronavirus support for residents web page.
Looking out for our neighbours flyer - Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF) [125KB]
Can I offer to support my local neighbours?
Absolutely! We have produced a downloadable flyer that you can fill in and post through your neighbours door. This will advise them who you are, how you can be contacted and makes it clear that you will not enter their home or take their bank or personal details.
Am I allowed to leave my house to do this?
We are all allowed to leave our homes to exercise and so we are suggesting that any drop offs and shopping trips are carried out as part of your daily exercise routine.
What if my neighbour(s) don't need me to help them with shopping?
You could always offer to call them for a regular chat to make sure that they are okay. Those who live by themselves may feel lonely and isolated and would probably appreciate a friendly voice to talk to.
Who should I offer my help to?
Unless you are part of a charity or larger voluntary organisation, we would advise you to only approach neighbours that live close to you. It is important that people know who you are or know that you are part of an organised group - such as a parish council or voluntary group.
What should I do if I believe I have symptoms of coronavirus?
How far away should I stand from my neighbour?
We would advise you to wear a mask, leave any shopping on their doorstep, knock on the door and then move back over two metres.
I would like to offer my services to an organised voluntary organisation?
You can do this in a number of ways. You can register with the community hub, you can contact Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC), or you can speak to your local parish council.