A CARING team are doing their bit to ensure everyone is looked after while self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.

Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) are reaching out to local community support groups, and statutory and non-statutory services to support Copeland's older, more vulnerable residents.

The group currently offers information, advice and guidance on finances, housing issues and everything that allows over-55s of the borough to live safely and independently.

And while CAAS typically provides their support through home visits, with Covid-19 forcing everyone to stay indoors in isolation, the team has changed tactics, offering help over the phone or online instead.

On top of their quarantine-friendly service, CAAS is working with community support groups to identify those a risk due to the current situation, and provide them with the necessary advice and support to get them through the period of isolation.

It's also important to CAAS to see the elderly and vulnerable getting access to essentials, such as food and medicine.

And so they have drawn up a detailed list for each and every corner of Copeland, outlining businesses which are willing and able to deliver shopping, prescriptions and other necessities.

This information is then being shared throughout the borough, ensuring nobody is left stranded and isolated without access to vital help and support.

Operations director, Becky Goddard said: “With a large proportion of our population living rurally, access to services will be challenging over the coming weeks and months.

"Many areas in Copeland have poor transport links and therefore making vulnerable clients aware of local support services in their area who can assist them if they are having to self-isolate, is essential”.

The team spend their days offering advice on; benefit checks and applications, accessing housing options, form filling, including blue badge applications, grant applications and more, support with independent living, and general advice and information on later life issues and concerns.

For more information, call CAAS on 01946 552166, email referrals@caasteam.com, or visit their website at www.caasteam.com.