A support service has been launched in Exeter to help people through the coronavirus outbreak.

Exeter Community Wellbeing has been set up to offer help and support to communities including those individuals who are self-isolating as a result of the virus.

At the same time a £1 million community action fund has also been launched by Exeter City Council and Exeter Chiefs Community Foundation to enable community groups and organisations to get rapid access to small grants to allow them to work on local projects to support those people and communities most affected by the pandemic.

Exeter Community Wellbeing has been set up by Exeter City Council and Wellbeing Exeter.

City Council Leader Phil Bialyk, said: “We have set up Exeter Community Wellbeing to assist individuals and community groups to help and support each other during this challenging time.

“There are already many great examples of people coming together to look out for each other. We want to nurture this and do all we can so that neighbourhoods have as much help as they need to look after each other and get help and support to those likely to need it most.”

A call centre has been set up and a website and telephone hotlines established to gather information from people and organisations who want to offer their help and support to the community response.

“This is a light touch ‘matching’ service linking people who need help with local people and groups who want to help,” said Cllr Bialyk.

Exeter Community Wellbeing want to hear from the following:

Individuals, community groups or networks who would like to offer activities or support

Community groups supporting people in relation to Coronavirus who would like information, advice, resources or funding

Community organisations offering staffing or other resources

Individuals, families, organisations or companies offering help and resources

Residents who would like practical support because they are self-isolating because of coronavirus

Anyone caring for or aware of someone, who would benefit from practical support because of coronavirus

To get involved people need to go to www.exeter.gov.uk/wellbeing where a simple on line form can be completed. Those unable to go online can call 01392 265000 between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 12 noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Wellbeing Exeter is a partnership of voluntary and community sector organisations that offers social prescribing, in combination with asset-based community development to provide firm foundations to enable individuals and communities to improve and promote their own health and wellbeing in Exeter.

Wellbeing Exeter is funded by Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, Exeter Primary Care Networks and Sport England.