During the first national lockdown in March the council put in place a wide range of measures to support people who were shielding and had no family and friends to help them. The local authority also developed an online portal to ensure businesses quickly received the emergency grants they qualified for. While council officers are waiting for the government guidance needed to launch the latest discretionary grants scheme, the technical updates and changes to the payment portal are well underway. Eastbourne council leader David Tutt said, “Since the start of the pandemic, we have led from the front in our response to the crisis and will continue to do. “Throughout this difficult and unsettling time we are here to support our residents, particularly those who need help the most through our community hub operation.” NHS volunteers can also assist residents and can be contacted direct by those who might need their help from www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk The NHS volunteers help by collecting shopping and medicines, making contact with people by making regular friendly phone calls and giving lifts to medical appointments. Council teams can also put people in touch with other voluntary groups in local communities. Councillor Tutt said, “If you or someone you know needs our help, get in touch. More and more people now access information on our website at lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk and engage with council staff using email and webchats.” Those who are clinically and extremely vulnerable will receive a letter from the NHS encouraging them to stay at home, only going out for exercise and medical appointments. The letter will also provide more detail about accessing any support they might need.