The Home, But Not Alone free phoneline, which supports vulnerable people in our communities who may be struggling with the impact of Coronavirus, was paused in August because of low demand and the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. However, in light of Thursday's national lockdown, the service is now up and running again.

Chrissie Geeson, Chair of the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board and Head of Localities and Partnerships at Suffolk County Council, said:

"The phoneline was absolutely vital during the first lockdown and it is only right that the same support is on offer as we head into the next wave of lockdown.

"The phoneline helped thousands of people and families, who often didn't have a network of family or friends to call upon, access emergency support such as food and medicine deliveries and befriending schemes.

"It's success was down to the amazing local networks that sprung up across towns and villages in Suffolk and looked after those most in need."

The telephone number is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

This Home, But Not Alone phoneline compliments The Suffolk Advice and Support Service phoneline (0800 068 3131) which helps those with debt, benefits employment or housing worries. This phoneline, also delivered by the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board, is staffed by the Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance, which includes the eight Citizens Advice Bureaus across Suffolk, and Anglia Care Trust and Ipswich Housing Action Group. Call handlers use resources and information from across many Suffolk organisations and specialist providers, which are tailored to individual needs.