Vulnerable people in Dundee are being urged not to suffer in silence as national support comes to an end.
People who had previously been advised to shield against coronavirus will no longer have to do so from August 1 and the national food box deliveries will end on Friday.
But Dundee City Council has pledged to continue to support the 1,400 people in the city who had been receiving the grocery packages supplied by the Scottish Government.
Local authority staff will be contacting everyone affected in the coming days to make them aware of the changes and to highlight what support is available in the city.
Council leader John Alexander said: “The past few months have been difficult for everyone, but they have been particularly challenging for those who have been shielding.
“Thanks to the efforts that we have all made to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the advice now is that those who have been shielding can go out more, including trips to the shops from tomorrow.
“That means the majority of people who have been shielding will be able to make their own arrangements to get food, as well as other essentials such as medicines.
“The council and its partners will also continue to deliver lifeline support to ensure that nobody in the city finds themselves without food or other essentials.
“We know that some will continue to have anxieties, whether these be about going out for the first time in months, or simply finding the money to pay for essentials.”
Support available in the city includes advice on how to attend shops safely, accessing priority supermarket delivery slots, requesting help from volunteers and foodbank provision.
Mr Alexander added: “Our staff will be in contact with everyone who has been in receipt of a food box to discuss their individual circumstances.
“The city has come together so well to support those in need through this crisis, and that will continue. We have a whole host of support services in place, from food banks to shopping services to advice on benefits entitlement.
“Through the arrangements we have with the third sector and our other partners, people who urgently need help will have access to it.”
Specific shielding support is available on the council’s website and anyone in need of urgent help can phone 0800 111 4000.
Advice on crisis grants, energy costs, welfare benefits and more is available via the council’s advice services line on 01382 431188.
