COVID-19: Helpline set up for residents struggling

Lawrence Gullery Reporter from Cambridge Edition

Waitomo, Waipā and Ōtorohanga residents can now freephone 0800 800 405 if they are struggling to access food, groceries, medication or other household goods and services.
The freephone service, established by the Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group, is available between 7am and 7pm daily, but does not replace other government helplines already in operation.
“We’ve moved quickly to set up this helpline, which started operating today. We don’t know how big the need is right now, and the reality is that it’s likely to change while we’re under Alert Level 4,” said Waikato Region Civil Defence Group Controller, Julian Snowball.
“People who don’t need help right now may require assistance in a couple of weeks, and that’s where this freephone number will become more important when it comes to ensuring everyone has access to the basic necessities.”
Being in lockdown makes us experience all sorts of things: anxiety, loneliness, fear. Need to talk? Free phone or text 1737.
All health updates on COVID-19 or information on community-based assessment centres are managed by the Ministry of Health. Go to covid19.govt.nz for more information.