Get help if you're self-isolating

You may have friends, family or neighbours who are able to drop food off for you. However if you don't, there are groups in the county who are providing this help.

This includes recognised charities and organisations, local businesses and the general public who are all ready to help those advised to stay at home. 

For the latest advice about shielding see our Changes to the shielding population from 1 August page.

Use our online support directory

We've put together an online directory of support, which lists groups who will be able to help you with tasks such as:

• food supplies (see also How to get food when you're self-isolating)
• meal deliveries
• posting mail
• chatting to you over the phone

Food deliveries

See our how to get food if you're self-isolating page which includes information about shopping cards (a simple, contact-free way of providing money to anyone shopping for you), priority home deliveries and links to those supermarkets providing food boxes.

Request support

If you're unable to see the support you need in our directory, you can contact us to request support.

Alternatively you can contact us by phone - by ringing 03000 260 260 between 9.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Collecting medicines

If you don't have anyone to pick up medication please contact your local chemist (use NHS: find a pharmacy for more information).

Financial support

If you are struggling financially, contact County Durham Together and we can signpost you to the right service based on your needs. You can contact us by ringing 03000 260 260 between 9.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday or emailing us at communityhub@durham.gov.uk. We also have lots of advice on our Financial support during the coronavirus outbreak page.

Chat together

We have a Chat Together service as part of our Community Hub. In addition to the support and advice on How to get food when you're self-isolating, we will be offering this new service to anyone affected by the loneliness that often comes with shielding and isolation. The service is open to anyone who would like to hear a friendly voice and for someone to check that they are managing.

Our staff will be able to provide companionship, discuss interests, family stories and anything else that will hopefully brighten your day. 

Contact us on 03000 260 260 or communityhub@durham.gov.uk

Reading service and lucky dip books

The Chat Together support also offers a reading service as part of online library service BorrowBox, as well as a selection of good news and local stories from our enewspaper, emagazines and ecomics collections, for you to listen to at home.

If you enjoy the chat reading services you can also access the 'lucky dip' doorstep book offer, where we will deliver a fiction, non-fiction or children's book (large print available) to your home to keep.

Contact us on 03000 260 260 or communityhub@durham.gov.uk

Volunteers needed

If you would like to support your community, please see our Volunteer in your community information.