FIVE community hubs have been set up by the borough council and voluntary services to support people through the Covid-19 outbreak.

The centres are available to those living in the area who are self isolating or vulnerable and are being run by volunteers from across the borough.

They have been set up and co-ordinated by Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust, Thrive, Trafford Stronger Communities Board and other local community groups who were already helping to support local residents when social distancing measures were first put in place.

The centres officially opened on Monday and their exact location in Altrincham, Gorse Hill, Partington, Sale and Urmston will be given to residents who need support or those volunteering to assist when they call the dedicated helpline, which is on 0300 330 9073.

To avoid overcrowding the centres and preventing further unnecessary spread of the virus, their exact location is being kept quiet to enable social distancing to be maintained.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Western said: “Our Trafford Community Response Hubs are now up and and running.

"These are locality based across the borough with one each in Altrincham, Gorse Hill, Partington, Sale and Urmston.

"We will not be advertising the locations as for obvious reasons we need to manage the number of people on site at any one time.”

Residents will be signposted to the hubs remotely through the Trafford Community Response Line which will be operational Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 5.30pm and managed by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The number is 0300 330 9073. This is the same number for those both seeking help and able to offer assistance.

Cllr Western added: “The hubs will be able to offer support with shopping and other errands, food parcels and other types of practical assistance.

"Moving forward local food banks will be run from the hubs.

"They can also connect residents to specialist advice and information services where required.

“I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in setting these up so quickly, and to the many people looking to volunteer support.

"We will be ensuring that those volunteering through the hubs do so safely and fully in line with government guidance on social distancing.

“It’s been a whirlwind week for our team pulling together our crisis response.

“So many people have worked to pull this together from across the borough and partnership working has been stunning.

"But I want to thank two of my executive team in particular for their efforts; Cllr Joanne Harding (executive member for adult social care) and Cllr Graham Whitham (executive member for communities and partnership).”

The Messenger also reported last week how Age UK Trafford was also drawing up survival packs from its offices in Church Road, Urmston, which are currently being distributed to older citizens across the borough.

If you can assist with this service and or need help or support, as an older person, during this outbreak then call Age UK directly on 0161 746 9754.