Support for residents

Although most legal restrictions have been lifted at step 4 and many people have been vaccinated, it is still possible to catch and spread coronavirus, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Coronavirus will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.

As coronavirus restrictions are lifted, it is important that we all use personal judgment to manage our own risk. The council will continue to take steps to help ensure the wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider community, while also keeping services running.

If you need to contact the council, the reception area is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), phone lines and online contact forms are also available. We are keeping the website updated with information about affected services, and alternatives if required.

The council is compliant with the coronavirus secure government guidance on managing the risk of coronavirus within it's offices.

Support for vulnerable people

A helpline has been set up to assist vulnerable people who have been affected by coronavirus. If you are struggling to get food, medicine or essential supplies for yourself or for your family, call the helpline for advice and support.

  • Hampshire coronavirus support helpline - 0333 370 4000

Please note the service is for people currently residing in the county of Hampshire.

Foodbanks

During the pandemic, East Hampshire District Council has worked closely with local community-run foodbanks, and keep in regular contact to ensure they are well stocked and have the assistance they need.

White goods grant scheme

The white goods grant scheme is designed to deliver essential white goods to households within East Hampshire who need it most. This is a referral scheme which can be made by an appropriate agency on behalf of a resident.

To apply, please complete the referral form below and return it to lauren.preston@easthants.gov.uk.

Coronavirus testing

There are different tests you can get to check if you have coronavirus. The test you need depends on why you're getting tested.

The 2 main tests are:

  • PCR tests – mainly for people with symptoms, they're sent to a lab to be checked
  • rapid lateral flow tests – only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test

Both tests are free.

Coronavirus vaccine

The coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against coronavirus.

Coronavirus vaccines are available for:

  • everyone aged 16 or over
  • some children aged 12 to 15 who have a higher risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus or who live with someone at high risk of catching it

The coronavirus vaccines currently available are given in two doses. You usually have the second dose 8 to 12 weeks after the 1st dose.

You can book and manage for vaccine on the NHS website.

Benefits

Discretionary housing payment extension

Discretionary housing payments are an extra award of financial help, that can be awarded for a short period to help you out of a difficult financial situation.

Test and trace support payment

In some circumstances, if you are told by NHS test and trace to self-isolate from the 28 September 2020, you may be supported by a payment of £500, payable from East Hampshire District Council.