Stay safe while self isolating
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.