An emergency support helpline set up by Cumbria County Council and partners has received more than 1,000 calls in just over a week.

The helpline provides support to people at ‘high risk’ who are not able to rely on neighbours, friends or family members, and may be struggling for food, medicines or other essential supplies.

Requests for help are matched with local support which is being offered by a network of community groups, volunteers, redeployed council employees, and local businesses.

Councillor Deborah Earl, cabinet member for public health and communities, said: “This is a huge team effort, the service is working well and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved. Our teams are working closely with partners, local businesses, community groups and volunteers to make sure we get emergency supplies of food and medicines to our county’s most vulnerable people. It’s a serious job and a vital service for people who can’t access support from friends or family, I’m delighted that feedback from partners and service users has been overwhelmingly positive.”

People can call a helpline number, email or fill in an online form. The telephone call centre operates Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and 10am to 2pm at weekends. The service accepts referrals from members of the public who may be concerned about people in their community. Over the bank holiday, it will open April 10 to April 13 between 10am to 2pm.