The following message has been posted by our colleagues in the Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association.

The Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association councillors have been contacted by several people asking whether they or any local groups are able to help the elderly and vulnerable during the current coronavirus outbreak. As of Monday 16 March 2020, we are currently giving the following advice, which we must stress is unofficial –

The local authority have implemented their emergency procedures regarding the Corona virus epidemic. As part of this they will be considering how to ensure that the elderly and vulnerable can ensure access to food and other vital items. The local councillors are awaiting details of what they decide to do and we will obviously spread the word when we know.

We are not aware of any official community pages being set up on social media at this time to help vulnerable residents. The issue is potentially so big in scale that we believe an authority led response may well be needed. However, at the moment we would encourage people to assist anyone living in the homes around them who may need help, in the same way that neighbours help the vulnerable during times of heavy snow etc.