A HELPLINE opened this week in the Wee County to assist people most at risk from the coronavirus outbreak in local communities.

Clackmannanshire Council opened the helpline for vulnerable residents who may need extra help during the challenging lockdown.

People can contact the Community Support Team by emailing CommunitySupport@clacks.gov.uk or by calling 01259 452 275 to ask for assistance between 9am and 5pm on weekdays as well as between 10am and 4pm during the weekend.

The team will take details of the support people require and the helpline is part of the Scottish government's approach to "shielding", the government having sent letters on the subject to vulnerable locals.

The letters went to people who are at the highest risk of severe illness from Covid-19 and have been identified by Public Health Scotland.

Wee County residents who are in this category should also receive a letter from the NHS.

In addition to the helpline being introduced, the council's Emergency Decision Making Forum (EDMF) has agreed last week to make £20,000 available from its emergency fund to help Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi) continue to provide support to local organisations.

As previously reported, CTSi has been co-ordinating the volunteer response in the area and many dedicated groups have sprung up in local towns and villages.

The money will be used to support volunteers who are helping vulnerable, self-isolating residents and can be used for things like fuel costs.

CTSi has already provided £500 of emergency funding to a number of community groups.

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of the council, said: "We want to do whatever we can to try and provide support and assistance for the most vulnerable residents within our community.

"The helpline is a way for our most vulnerable residents to let us know what kind of support they need during this difficult time.

"I know that many people are lucky enough to have family, friends and neighbours nearby who can help them, but that's not the case for everyone.

"In addition to this, we know that voluntary organisations coordinated through the CTSi are also working together to provide support and assistance and the £20,000 emergency funding we have provided will allow these voluntary organisations, to continue to provide vital and valued services to the community.

"Their support will assist the council in its role as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies legislation."

Anthea Coulter, chief officer at CTSi who has been working closely with the council over the past two weeks, added: "The council has recognised that the third sector and in many communities, the voluntary sector has stepped in and been working incredibly hard to meet local needs and this new funding will help address the costs that many of these local anchor organisations are covering presently.

"We hope that the funding will continue and that the communities are applauded for their amazing work and partnership approaches."

The support services will be prioritising assistance to vulnerable residents who are unable to receive help from elsewhere.