The Coronavirus pandemic has been a particularly difficult for older people, who are more vulnerable. Many elderly people in Berkshire continue to require a great deal of support with having safe access to food, medicine and other essential supplies. Thankfully, Berkshire’s local councils and other community organisations have come together to provide support to those who are most at need. On this page you will be able to find out about how to get in contact with Berkshire’s Coronavirus support providers.
For a more general overview of keeping your elderly relatives safe during the pandemic, you may be interested in the Age Space Coronavirus Guide and Coronavirus FAQs.
Where to find Coronavirus Support in Berkshire
Support from Berkshire’s Local Councils
The district and borough councils in Berkshire are all working to provide support for elderly and vulnerable residents of Berkshire during the Coronavirus pandemic. Each council has its own community support hub, in collaboration with local organisations, to offer support to those who need it. In most cases, assistance with shopping, collecting prescriptions, and having hot meals delivered is available.
Bracknell Forest Borough Council
Bracknell Forest Borough Council are offering ongoing support to vulnerable people in the local area. The support that they can offer includes arranging delivery of medical supplies and volunteers shopping for you if you don’t feel able to.
Contact the Bracknell Forest Community Response team by email at [email protected] or over the phone on 01344 266911.
Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council, Reading Voluntary Action and other local voluntary and community groups have come together to form the One Reading Community Hub. You can request support from the One Reading Community Hub for yourself or a relative by calling 0808 1894325.
Slough Borough Council
Slough Borough Council have united with other local groups to form One Slough. One Slough is a call centre hub which can organise support for elderly residents with no other form of support. The help available includes befriending for residents who are isolated and lonely or those who need essentials, such as a hot cooked meal or food supplies. You can contact the One Slough hub by calling 01753 944198.
West Berkshire District Council
West Berkshire District Council have created a Community Support Hub to assist West Berkshire residents who are vulnerable and need some help at this time. You can apply for help by calling the Hub on 01635 503579 or filling out this Online Form.
There is also a useful tool on the West Berkshire District Council website where you can enter yours or your relative’s postcode to find smaller community groups local to them. These smaller groups can also help with food delivery and picking up prescriptions.
Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough Council
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is working with local charities and community groups to provide support for those who don’t have anyone else to provide it for them and are vulnerable during the pandemic. You can request support from the Council by calling 0203 5148117.
You can also find a comprehensive List of Local Support Groups on the Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council, who may also be able to provide Coronavirus support.
Wokingham District Council
Wokingham District Council have partnered with local community and voluntary groups and services in the borough to provide support to vulnerable local residents. You can request help by calling Citizens Advice Wokingham on 0300 330 1189, who are acting as the ‘front door’ of the Wokingham Community Response. They will put you in contact with organsiations or services that can help with your specific request.
Charities and Other Coronavirus Support Initiatives in Berkshire
Throughout the county fantastic local initiatives have popped up, rising to the challenge to help get the elderly population the help they need. This extends further than just supplying food and medical services to include online exercise sessions, virtual befriending groups, and groups combating isolation and loneliness. Some of these groups we have listed here but we can’t name them all – the page would be too long! To find groups near you visit your local councils support hub and search Facebook for Coronavirus support groups in your area.
Age UK
Age UK usually run social groups and advice sessions throughout the county, however, through the pandemic they had to halt these to protect the elderly. Despite this they have continued their advice line 0800 678 1602 and individual local Age UK branches have also done their bit. Follow the links below to be taken to your local branch to find out what they can help with and to get an update on the services that are still running in the pandemic
Get Berkshire Active
Get Berkshire Active have made it their mission to keep Berkshire residents moving throughout lockdown, especially the older generation. On their website they have videos and booklets for Fall Prevention classes, chair-based exercise routines, and other tips to keep you moving at home.
Many local classes are also starting to offer their services over Skype and other video call services – so be on the lookout!
More Coronavirus Support
You can find more of Age Space’s Coronavirus support guides below that you may find helpful in looking after your relative in Berkshire.
