For advice about self-isolating please visit the NHS help page. If you are receiving help from neighbours or volunteers, please stay safe. If someone else is doing your shopping:

• work with trusted organisations and volunteers
• make arrangements for help over the phone, not with a stranger on the doorstep
• when making arrangements for help over the phone, agree when the volunteer will go shopping for you so you know roughly when they will deliver your shopping
• where possible, pay the store online or by phone beforehand
• if you need to pay your volunteer in cash, please ask for the receipt with your change
• do not give your bank card and PIN to anyone
• agree a password with the person dropping off shopping and check their ID so you know they are genuine
• if you have a front door chain, ‘spy hole’ or video doorbell, please use them 
• do not open the door to someone you're not expecting
• ask the volunteer to leave shopping on your doorstep, do not let the person in your home
• ensure you keep a two metre distance from the person delivering your shopping
• volunteers come to your house to drop off your shopping, they should not be doing any other tasks beyond that
• don't give gifts or cash to the volunteers as a thank you, this isn't expected or required
• wash your hands and surfaces after unpacking the shopping.

If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with a situation, report the details to Dorset Police or in an emergency call 999. 

Contact the community response helpline if you have concerns about a volunteer on 0300 1237052.

For more advice

Read the government’s advice about how to stay safe if a volunteer is helping you.

Be aware of coronavirus scams and how to stay safe online and protect yourself against fraud.