There are growing concerns that people with specific medical conditions who are unable to shop for food are still not recognised as eligible for an emergency government delivery scheme .
Disability Rights UK has called for action saying “thousands are struggling to access food – we know of many cases where people who need to be self-isolating are still having to visit shops in person as they cannot get the help they need, nor any timeslots they need for online delivery. We would like to see the eligibility criteria widened to cover all those who for medical reasons or for reasons of physical distancing, need to stay at home. We would like people to be able to self-refer for help and access the scheme by phone as well as online.
A group of charities and organisations for people with sight loss have teamed up to launch a petition calling for priority access to online shopping. Disability Sheffield has signed the petition.
Remember to keep up to date with the Disability Sheffield Coronavirus Information and Support page. where you can find information about local support groups that provide help with shopping or know of deliveries from food shops in your area.
