More than 5,000 residents have received support from a service to help vulnerable people during the current pandemic.

Gravesham council is rolling out a care package for those citizens advised by the NHS to self isolate for 12 weeks, as well as other vulnerable members of Gravesend and the surrounding communities.

Since March 23, the authority has got in touch with more than 3,000 residents advised to stay at home due to an underlying health condition or a past medical intervention which places them at higher risk.

A further 2,300 individuals have also been contacted either directly, or who have been referred by concerned family, friends and neighbours.

Of these, 1,200 have received direct support from the council in the form of almost 100 boxes of essential supplies, welfare visits, and check-in calls.

“We are determined that anyone who needs our support throughout this current crisis will receive it,” said council leader John Burden (Lab).

“We have called every individual or household referred to us either by the NHS or through our own website and hotline to establish whether they need our help."

Council officers and parking attendants redeployed in a new role have been knocking on more than 200 doors to make contact in the absence of any reply.

Where that has proved unsuccessful, the police have been following up and calling in at homes.

Those who said they have not needed help are also receiving regular follow-up calls to ensure their circumstances have not changed.

The council has also written to every household in the borough to showcase the support on offer, translating key messages into five languages in a bid to reach minority communities.

Cllr Burden labelled the service a "long-term commitment" with those earmarked by the NHS likely to be needing support for "some considerable time and long after the rest of us are able to start getting back to some semblance of normality".

The majority of the council's focus to date has been on delivering essential supplies to those unable to buy their own.

But the council leader added different people would have a different set of needs.

In recognition of this, he said the authority would be tailoring its support throughout the isolation period.

He also expressed his gratitude to partners Alzheimer and Dementia Support Services whose staff were making regular befriending calls to around 50 people who would otherwise have limited or no contact with the outside world.

"Some need to hear a friendly voice every now and again," he added.

If you or anyone you know is vulnerable, self-isolating and without immediate support, you can register your details online.

Alternatively, call the support line 01474 337070 between 9am and 5pm.

For general calls regarding council tax, waste collection and other regular matters please call its customer services line on 01474 337000.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend