England

In order to access further support, including access to priority online delivery slots, you can register yourself on the government database. This is the database of people on the shield list and is being shared with UK supermarkets to help them assign priority slots. If you are not registered on this list your information will not be shared with supermarkets and they will not be able to support you.

Once you are registered on this list you also qualify for a food parcel. If you only need access to an online delivery slot and do not require a food parcel you can choose not to accept it when it arrives so that it can be given to someone else. Whilst you will be asked if you have a dietary requirement there is no guarantee that your food parcel will contain gluten free foods.

Northern Ireland

A helpline has been set up to help to those in vulnerable groups to access information and guidance. The helpline 0808 802 0020 is operating Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

There is support with a food box for those who are not able to leave the home and do not have a support network to help them access food. You can contact the COVID-19 community helpline who will talk to you about your situation to see if you are able to access a food box. Your details will then be passes to partners in the Health Trusts and/or local Councils who will contact you to confirm what support they can offer you.  

These food boxes will contain mainly non-perishable goods. At the moment there is no option to account for dietary requirements so you might receive products that contain gluten, please make sure you check the ingredients.

Telephone 0808 802 0020, email covid19@adviceni.net or text: ACTION to 81025 to access further information.

Scotland

A helpline has been set up to help provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support. The helpline 0800 111 4000 is operating Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and you connected to services to help you access food. Your contact details will be shared with your local authority so they can support you during this time.

If you are at higher risk of severe illness and need support with shielding you can contact your local authorities shielding support line.

Once you have been registered as needing further support you will be asked to sign up to the SMS shielding service. Please make sure you do this, further information can be found here.

Wales

The first thing you should do is contact your GP to check if you need to be identified as needing to ‘shield, if they have done this already then you will receive a letter from the practice.

GP’s in Wales have been provided with the list of those who’ve been sent shielding letter to check against their know patients. If you have not be identified on the shielding list but your GP believes you are high risk they will make sure you are identified, please make sure you discuss your personal circumstance with your GP. People in Wales are not being asked to register as vulnerable which is different to the arrangements in England.

If you are not within the shielding group and are vulnerable and struggling to access food you should contact your local authority straight away. There is also further support from Third Sector Support Wales.