Help if you've been told to isolate.

After two friends and family experienced difficulties after suddenly being told to isolate whilst waiting for Covid19 test results I realised that families need help at a moment notice to get food and medicine. East Devon District Council have compiled an index of assistance which can be found on https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/community-support/community-contacts-in-east-devon/east-devon-towns/

Ottery St Mary's entry is as follows

Ottery Help Scheme

If you are vulnerable and / or self isolating and need some support, including with getting food or prescriptions delivered please contact the Ottery Help Scheme on 01404 813041 or email info@otteryhelpscheme.org.uk

Random Kitchen

For free homemade frozen meals for those in emergency need on low income, vulnerable or the elderly, call The Random Kitchen on 07980 922696.

Ottery St Mary Foodbank

The food bank is a local store of non-perishable food operated by Churches Together in Ottery in conjunction with Honiton Community Church.  Food is made available to those who are in ‘food crisis’.  That is, they have no food and no money with which to buy food. They do not supply food on direct request from the public, you'd need to get a referral from local agencies. For a referral you can contact East Devon District Council on 01395 571770.

Headlight - support for young people

Headlight provides a friendly space for young people who are experiencing emotional and mental health issues and their families. Headlight is operating a ‘virtual’ service for young people in Ottery St Mary and in Axminster.

• Continuing to support young people on a one to one basis by phone, text and video conferencing.

• Having 'virtual' group meetings.

• They've also set up a Youtube channel with videos on hints and tips on coping with being in lockdown.

If you’d like to know more about Headlight's ‘virtual’ services please contact Ben Feasey, Headlight Manager, at ben.feasey@actioneastdevon.org.uk.

Project Food

Project Food (previously known as HALFF), are offering:

• Free homemade ready meals to people in need, made and kindly donated by River Cottage and Monmouth Kitchen. Free fruit or veg boxes to go along with the free meals, paid for by a grant they’ve received.

• Dietary and nutritional advice.

• Delivery service of fresh fruit, veg, eggs, milk and fruit juice from their Project Food shop.  People can phone and place the order over the phone for delivery to their door. Payment by card or cash.

Call them on 01297 631782.