Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated that the health consequences of COVID-19 relate primarily to the elders. That is why he appealed to seniors to remain home if possible.

In addition, the Prime Minister has announced the launch of the Solidarity Assistance Corps for the Seniors, which aims – as he pointed out – to provide care to seniors who do not receive support from their families. - We intend to immediately start the programme through wide involvement of organisations, volunteers, scouts, Territorial Defence Force or the operational armies, in order to encourage all seniors - in particular those over the age of 70 - to remain home - the head of government said.

Minister Marlena Maląg also appealed to the seniors to remain at home, while stressing that the Solidarity Assistance Corps for the Seniors is not going to leave them behind. - We strive to ensure that you live through the current time in the best health and feeling safe, as that is important to all people - said the Minister.

The Minister also informed that PLN 100 million was allocated for support under the programme. - If a need arises, that amount is going to increase - she added.

22 505 11 11 – dedicated helpline

A dedicated helpline will be started as part of the programme. Reaching the number will allow seniors to request assistance in activities which require them to leave home and are made more difficult because of the pandemic. That means, among others, going to get groceries or delivering hygienic articles. - Our seniors, in particular those over the age of 70, will be able to get help by calling that number. As part of solidarity between generations, we, i.e. the government, local government units, social welfare centres, volunteers, scouts and Territorial Defence Forces - are going to deliver the necessary products to your homes – said Minister Maląg.

The helpline will allow seniors to reach a consultant who is going to collect information and data. Next, the data will be sent to a social welfare centre. An employee of the centre will contact the senior; he or she is going to verify the request and agree on all the details required to provide help.

www.wspierajseniora.pl – address for the people who wish to help

People who wish to join the help for seniors will be able to apply on-line, by filling in a questionnaire published on www.wspierajseniora.pl or personally, by going to the local social welfare centre.

The municipality will be responsible for keeping records of the seniors who decided to remain home and need the support of volunteers. The assistance will also be provided by voluntary fire brigade, Territorial Defence Forces and the scouts.

Subsidies for municipalities

Municipalities will be provided with co-financing from the national budget for organising and carrying out the support services.

Municipalities will be able to allocate the funds, e.g., for employing new personnel for carrying out the tasks, granting performance allowances, contracting the service to non-governmental organisations or purchasing them from external entities.