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<p>The Government has been working closely with local authorities, retailers, food
businesses and charities to ensure that blind and partially sighted people have access
to the food and essential goods that they need.</p><p> </p><p>We have published guidance
online that explains what steps people can take if they are unable to access food.
This guidance has been shared with local authorities, retailers and charities to help
them respond to enquiries from those seeking help. The guidance can be found at <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-food-and-essential-supplies"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-food-and-essential-supplies</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>Various sight loss charities are working directly with some of the major supermarkets
to take forward some practical initiatives to help people with sight loss to access
supermarkets.</p><p> </p><p>We have secured a number of supermarket delivery slots
for the dedicated use of vulnerable people who are having difficulties in securing
access to food and who have no other options available to them. We are working closely
with local authorities and charities to help make sure these delivery slots are made
available to those who need them most. We have built a bespoke digital service to
enable local authorities and a number of charities to directly refer individuals for
access to the prioritised slots.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In addition, over
600,000 people are now registered as NHS Volunteer Responders. Verified volunteer
responders can receive tasks to help those in their communities, including through
shopping for vulnerable people for food and essential supplies. Health and care professionals
and approved charities (including Citizens Advice and Age UK) are now able to refer
vulnerable individuals into the system to receive support from volunteers.</p><p>
</p><p>It is now possible for individuals to self-refer for assistance from the NHS
Volunteer Responders if they consider themselves to be vulnerable and in need of support.</p><p><strong>
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