Red Kite is still dealing with cases of antisocial behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic - but all home visits have been postponed.

The housing association, which has 6,500 homes in the Wycombe district, says it has been "working hard" to keep residents safe during the virus crisis.

Red Kite has set up an Emergency Response Team (ERT) which meets every morning to discuss the issues that residents are facing as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Alan Keers, Red Kite’s deputy group chief executive and head of the ERT, said: “Clearly the current lockdown means there has to be some changes to the way we are doing things and some difficult decision have had to be made. At the heart of all those decisions though is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff.

“We realise a lot of people will be struggling financially at the moment, so we are doing everything we can to support them. We have a dedicated team of Relationship Specialists who are available to offer advice on the additional benefits that are now available and how to claim them.

“We will not be taking any court action for those impacted by reduced income for an initial three months whilst we are in this crisis and we will work to support residents through their options to make sure that their rent is covered.”

During the lockdown, crimes, including threats or acts of violence and incidents of hate crime and domestic abuse, should be reported to the police.

But Red Kite has promised it will take a zero tolerance approach to any of the issues - and will take "all necessary action at the appropriate time".

The association provides homes for around 2,000 residents in its sheltered housing schemes, many of whom have been identified as vulnerable due to their age and health.

Alan explains: “This week we decided to restrict access in our sheltered housing schemes to only essential visitors. This difficult decision was not made lightly or without thought to our residents and their needs, but as a direct response to the unprecedented global pandemic and knowing that we had a part of play to support our most vulnerable group of customers.”

Until further notice anyone requiring access to these schemes will have to call through to Centra, Red Kite’s call centre, by using the red ‘warden call’ button at the entrance.

The call centre’s operator will ask up to four screening questions and access will only be given by them to essential visitors.

It is hoped this measure will avoid the risks posed in bringing Covid-19 into the schemes.

Essential visitors - including emergency responders, carers, postal staff, food and medicinal deliveries - will still be given access via the call centre.

Alan adds: “We understand some residents have had issues receiving post but want to clarify that this wasn’t down to these changes, but in fact was due to Royal Mail making their own decision not to deliver. This is something that has been rectified and the postal service should now return to normal.”

Red Kite are now mobilising a squad of staff volunteers who will either work from home or in the community to help during the current situation. Roles will range from phoning people for a chat to stop them feeling lonely and isolated, to helping deliver food parcels and vital medication.

Sophie Phillips, Red Kite’s Community Engagement & Development Manager, added: “This is a really difficult time for our communities and we want to help support our residents in whatever ways we can.

"Staff have quickly stepped forward to form a volunteer team, collaborating with key partners to get help to those who need it most.

"We would urge residents who need support to contact us, and we are always keen to hear from organisations or groups that we can partner with to tackle these challenges together.”

For more useful updates visit www.redkitehousing.org.uk or you can email Sophie via communications@redkitehousing.org.uk.