‘PEOPLE are struggling, they need a single point of contact so that they can get help and guidance.’

Those are the words of Richard Gardiner-White, owner of Gardiner-Whites, who is calling on the Government to set up a national helpline after receiving a number of calls from people who say they don’t know where to turn during the coronavirus outbreak.

Richard and his team have been delivering groceries to people in need in Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and the surrounding areas but said he continues to get calls from people who are struggling to get food deliveries or are unfamiliar with using technology to order shopping.

“In the last few weeks we have lots of calls from people who have previously been independent and not needed any support but now feel they don’t know where to turn,” Richard said.

“People have called saying they are scared to go out for fear of catching the virus but also can’t get essentials delivered as supermarkets have no delivery slots.

“Some have told me they have had to go out even though they are in high risk group as they have no family or friends to support them.

“Most of them have told me they can’t use the internet for ordering either don’t have access or just can’t use their computer.

“I have spent hours helping people try and use our website so they can order.

“We are doing one off orders all day over the phone but another crunch point is when they can’t see the card number.

“We’d love to be able to send it out for free but we are only a small family business trying to survive.”

In a bid to try and get more support for people Richard posted a video on social media last week to urge his MP James Heappey to encourage the Government to set up a national helpline to give people advice on where to go for help.

“The offers of support from people offering to pay to help people within the community have been absolutely massive,” Richard said.

“However I don’t know how this can be managed fairly to ensure the funds get to the right people.

“This is why I am asking for a national crises number to guide people in the right direction.

“People are struggling, they need a single point of contact so that they can get help and guidance. This needs to happen now.”

Mr Heappey said a shielding programme is being rolled out by councils to help people.

He said: “The NHS and Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government are, of course, resourcing their work and we’ve got military planners in every council to help co-ordinate the shielding activity.

“Food parcels are being arranged by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and should start flowing directly to shielded people within the next few days.”

Somerset County Council and all district councils have also launched a helpline for those in need of authority help, on 0300 790 6275.