One and a half million people nationwide have been sent letters and texts by the NHS telling them they are at high risk of needing hospital care if they catch COVID-19 and asking them to make sure they are socially shielding for 12 weeks.

Social shielding means staying home and avoiding all face-to-face contact. It helps the individual to stay safe, and it helps the NHS by reducing the number of people in hospital. The government has also published advice on what to do if you are socially shielding and live with others or rely on carers coming on to your home.

Several thousand of the socially shielding group are Ealing residents and council teams have been contacting those that have registered with the government for extra support. Those that are worried about coping are being offered emergency food parcels, delivered to their doors by teams from, local charity, Ealing Community Transport. More than 400 parcels have been delivered so far.

And if you have received a letter or text from the NHS advising you to socially shield, and are worried about how you will cope, register for free support online.

And Ealing Together is there for all vulnerable residents that are socially isolating and need support, not just people who have been contacted by the NHS. Ealing Together is a collaboration between local community groups, charities, businesses, concerned residents and Ealing Council.

Residents in need of support are making requests through the Ealing Together website and local groups such as BEFriend and Good Gym are stepping up to help.

Watch our video where we highlight the work of ECT and hear more about what they are doing to help those socially shielding.