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<p>We know that a large number of disabled people continue to rely on friends, family
and wider community support as they face difficulties accessing food. Where that is
not possible, there are a number of options available for people to access support.
Individuals can request support from a volunteer via NHS Volunteer Responders, who
can shop on their behalf.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to work with local authorities,
supermarkets and charities to ensure that vulnerable groups get the support they need
to access food and other essential supplies. These organisations are able to sign-post
people to commercial food delivery options, help them access priority supermarket
delivery slots or refer them to the NHS Volunteer Responder programme.</p><p> </p><p>People
who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) can also register for support online
or via an automated helpline. As part of the registration process, we have asked individuals
to indicate whether they have unmet basic care needs, such as social care and social
contact needs. Local authorities are best placed to respond to these needs, and we
are sharing data with them to ensure vulnerable individuals get the support they need
while shielding.</p><p> </p><p>Where people who are CEV have asked for help accessing
food, they have been offered centrally provided food boxes and supermarkets have offered
priority delivery slots. Boxes will continue until the end of July and seven supermarkets
have confirmed that access to priority supermarket delivery slots will continue beyond
the end of July for those already signed up for support.</p><p> </p><p>We have also
made available an additional £63 million to be distributed to local authorities in
England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to
COVID-19. Local authorities are already working hard to support those who are vulnerable
and this additional funding will contribute to that work.</p>
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