Coronavirus: Support for Hartlepool's Armed Forces reservists and veterans in fight against pandemic

And those who join the frontline fight against the virus, which has so far claimed more than 2,900 lives across the UK including seven at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, have the full support of their local council.

Councillor Lee Cartwright, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, spoke of the authority’s pride in those going forward to work as part of the pandemic.

He said: “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to reservists for the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.

“As an employer, the council will be doing everything it can to support its reservists in their work to help the NHS in this current emergency.

“We are equally proud of Hartlepool’s veterans, for their past service and for the role they continue to play in the community, and I would like to assure them that we are here for them too.

“Our grateful thanks go to any veterans who are able to contribute their skills during the current pandemic.”

Reservists across the country are currently being selected by their units to deploy in support of the NHS as it works on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis.

Employers can expect to be contacted by selected reservists asking to be released for either full deployment over a period of months or for a shorter period through the use of their Reserve Service Days to help the overall effort.

Military veterans are also being asked to help the health service as part of the establishment and running of new Nightingale Hospitals, which are being set up to care for patients with the virus.

Last week, the borough council launched Hartlepool Support Hub to help those who have to self-isolate as a result of the outbreak.

The hub offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping, newspapers and prescriptions and links to other support services.

Call 01429 272905 (10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-12 noon Saturdays) or email [email protected].