A PRIVATE hire company is offering free lifts to the elderly across south Essex as the Covid-19 crisis continues.

Hippo Mobility, in Benfleet, wants to help the elderly who fear they may become isolated.

The firm, which has three wheelchair-accessible vehicles available from 10am to 6pm every day, is offering one free ride to elderly people in Shoebury, Southend, Rochford, Hockley, Rayleigh, Benfleet, Canvey and Leigh.

Claire Howlett, administration manager for the firm, said: “We work as a private hire, we’re not a taxi firm, everything is booked in advance.

“We deal a lot with care homes, we will take them out for their trips, cafes and community events.

“At the moment we thought we could give something back.

“Care homes at the moment are on lockdown and we act as an emergency ambulance for the East of England, mainly in nights but that could change day by day.

“The ambulances don’t seem to be able to cover the the early mornings. That’s what we are doing at the moment.

“We have three drivers and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and all are DBS checked.”

The 40-year-old added: “We had a case where an elderly man lost his wife and his daughter couldn’t get to him because of social distancing, we said we could always help him. Others did too.

“The elderly people still want to do their own shopping.

“We’re a little business but we can at least try to give something back to them.

“We noticed the supermarkets are doing OAP opening hours which is great.

“Our drivers have been out distributing leaflets, putting them in shop windows so people can see them and what we’re offering.

“We really want to push the message to Shoebury and Canvey.”

Meanwhile, Southend’s homeless charity HARP has taken charge of an emergency task force to keep the homeless safe during the pandemic.

It has also launched an appeal for people to donate food and other essential items to their base in York Road due to depleted stocks at supermarkets.

Jackie Bliss, HARP’s chief executive, said: “HARP is leading an emergency task-force of local services and agencies which also work with homeless people including rough sleepers, so that we can all continue to support some of Southend’s most vulnerable people whilst keeping them safe.

“Our Bradbury day centre is still open for our rough sleeper breakfast as well as for advice and support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“However, we have adapted delivery and timings in order to reduce risk of spreading the virus, as well as implementing the standard advice regarding hand washing and sanitisation.

“We are also expanding our outreach and taking the necessary steps to communicate what Covid-19 means to rough sleepers, especially those not accessing our services.” Anyone who can help can deliver donations to 103-107 York Road, Southend, SS1 2DL.