A DROP-in centre to support family and friends of those quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital as a precaution against coronavirus has opened.

The facility at Solar Campus in Leasowe - about a 10 minute drive from the hospital - is a place where loved ones can call in and receive help, support and advice on any issue.

It has been opened by Wirral Council – and partner agencies, including the British Red Cross, Salvation Army and Citizens Advice Wirral.

There are a range of professionals and partner agencies on standby to give expert help – or people can simply use it as somewhere to go for an informal chat and meet relatives and friends of other guests.

It will be open from 9am to 5pm every day.

Cllr Pat Hackett, leader of Wirral Council, said: "This is somewhere where friends and family can come, relax, get updates and information and speak to other friends and family so they can share experiences.

"We've got a range of support organisations here; the British Red Cross, Salvation Army, Citizens Advice and lots of expertise from the council, including staff from children’s services, and adult services from our community health and care trust.

"It's a fantastic partnership and really encouraging to see how quickly all those different people organise and mobilise themselves to get here to help.

"It's fantastic to see."

Rob Colburn, British Red Cross emergency response operations manager for the North of England, said: "The centre is here to support the family and friends of the people who have self-isolated on their return from China.

"We hope people will use it almost as a social centre where they can come and get refreshments, have chats, and get support.

"We've also got private areas where people can go if needed and get support from volunteers and professionals who can help with the emotional side of this situation.

"It gives people the chance to be around other families going through the same thing and to air some of their natural worries.

"It's supporting them, getting them information and working with them so we find out what they need to help them cope.

"The big focus of course is on the people in isolation but it’s the ripple effect that we’re helping with.

"For every person in quarantine, there are family and friends who may be worried and anxious.

"What we're doing in a small way is trying to support the individuals not immediately affected, but still just as in need of some emotional support.

"We can provide wider support, both practical and emotional, over the coming days. And because the Red Cross works all over the UK, as well as internationally, we can network out.

"If anyone in the centre is worried about a family member who they can't reach, we can bridge that gap because we've got volunteers around the country who can help.

"It's that safe feeling for those in quarantine that while they may be in isolation, they're not isolated from the world, they’re not isolated from their families and communities.

"We can help maintain that connection for them."

Carol Johnson-Eyre, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wirral said: "Citizens Advice Wirral advisers will be at the Family and Friends Hub to provide advice on issues such as housing, benefits, employment or any practical issues.

"We have provided a dedicated Citizens Advice Wirral phone line and email address for the people in Arrowe Park if they need to get advice from us during or after their stay at Arrowe Park."