The organisation said that the coronavirus outbreak had inspired many people in the city to come forward to help and support their neighbours.

Leeds coronavirus volunteer programme - sign up to help those in need

Explaining the idea behind the guide, VAL said: "We want you and your neighbours to be safe whilst you help one another out during this uncertain time. Together with Leeds City Council we have produced the following guide to offer tips and advice on how to help, safely."

Voluntary Action Leeds is sharing tips on how to safely support vulnerable and elderly neighbours. Picture: Brian Eyre

It includes top tips for helping others and advice on looking after yourself while doing so, plus advice on how all of us can stay safe both at home and online if self-isolating.

The guide says: "There have been some incidents of people knocking on doors and claiming to represent charities, such as the Red Cross. Be sure to carefully check people’s identification if you are not expecting them to visit and don’t answer the door if you feel uncomfortable."

As always, anyone seeing suspicious activity is urged to report their concerns to the police.

Likewise, people who witness any hate crime, such as racist comments or physical violence, are urged to report it to the Police or the Leeds-based national charity Stop Hate UK.

The guide also advises against displaying signs in your home or windows to tell others you are self-isolating as it might make you more vulnerable.

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Tops tips for helping others

The guide includes the following advice:

1. Keep it local and manageable. VAL suggests focusing your own street or about 20-30 houses at most. Don’t try to cover more than you realistically can sustain – this might last for months.

2. Stick to a patch you know well - Keep to where people will recognise you and trust your offer is genuine.

3. Try to understand that people may be cautious about accepting help if they don’t know you well and have the right to refuse your help.

4. Create a list of the things that you feel able to help others with. Feel comfortable to say no if people ask for more help than you’re able to give.

5. Trust your instincts when you are offering to help others or being offered help. Remove yourself from the situation if you don’t feel safe and respect others choice to do the same.

Click here to download a copy of the pack.

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Tips on how to safely support your neighbours