How can we help the elderly, immunosuppressed and those with chronic diseases, especially if they’re alone, at this time? A phone call is always appreciated and helps people feel less alone. Assistance with shopping and with any other needs is also a way to help out by making sure they don’t have to put themselves at risk. Here are a number of helplines giving advice and support.
Ph. Francesco Spighi
The City of Florence has a dedicated phone number to assist those most in need by informing them of how to take advantage of delivery services for groceries and medicines. The number, 055 3282200, is reachable from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, email iorestoacasa@esculapio.org.
If there is a particularly difficult situation, you can call the Segretariato sociale’s freephone number 800 50 82 86, between 9am and 1pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, email solidarietaq2@comune.fi.it.
The Neighborhood Solidarity Network is another resource for those in need, Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon and from 3 to 6pm; Saturday from 9am to 1pm or telephone 055 7330135, opening hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12 noon, email: solidarietaq4@comune.fi.it
The Italian Red Cross’s freephone number is 800 065510.
For those with disabilities, call 055 2616277 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2.30-4.30pm.
The Professional Association of Tuscan Psychologists has set up an active line every day from 9am to 7pm, 331 6826935.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, Italy’s nationwide helpline remains the first port of call: 1522. Florence’s Centro Antiviolenza Artemisia guarantees its helpline (055 601375) from 10am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
For information on the Covid-19 Coronavirus, call 800 556060 from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm.
