Here's how you can help vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic - without leaving home

The government has instructed everyone to remain indoors for all except necessary travel - but there are ways you can help the vulnerable at a distance.

From the elderly to small business owners and food bank users, the coronavirus outbreak has left many people across the UK in a precarious position.

If you yourself have been instructed to avoid social contact and remain at home completely, there are still plenty of ways you can help others without putting yourself at risk of infection.

Local businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has forced most local businesses to close their doors for the foreseeable future. Many are worried that the loss in profits may mean they're unable to re-open once restrictions have been lifted.

You can help by checking out whether your favourite local businesses has any schemes in place through which you can support them.

This might include delivery of food, drink or other products to your home, or gift voucher schemes for redeeming once the pandemic has passed. Most businesses will be advertising any such schemes on their social media channels, so it's best to check there - or get in touch with the business if you're unsure.

Theatres, cinemas and other entertainment venues

Sales of theatre tickets have dropped dramatically over the past few weeks, and other entertainment venues, such as cinemas, will be seeing a similar drop in sales.

Independent cinemas, theatres and entertainment videos will be especially vulnerable to a fall in sales.

Again, you can support these businesses by checking out what schemes they have on offer during the pandemic. Some theatres may be live-streaming performances, for instance. Other venues would be glad to accept donations from the public, or the purchase of advance tickets to be used once restrictions on socialising have been lifted.

Food banks

Food banks across the country have reported difficulty with replenishing stock due to panic-buying in supermarkets.

If you're social distancing rather than self-isolating, food banks are welcoming donations of food items. You can check on your local food bank's website or social media page to find out which items they are most in need of. You should be able to drop off food items with minimal social contact.

If you are under self-isolation, you can make a financial donation to your local food bank. You can either donate to your food bank directly, or you can donate via a GoFundMe for the Trussell Trust.

Charities

If you can't help out by volunteering, there are plenty of charities and funds you can donate to which will help those worst affected by coronavirus.

Some charities and funds that fit this description include the Neighbourly Community Fund, The Red Cross "National Emergencies Trust" appeal and FareShare.

All of these organisations and funds will use your donation to help those most vulnerable in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

Care homes

Most care homes across the UK have been locked down, stopping all visits to ensure residents' safety.