Lockdown Diaries: The Oxford couple shielding to protect their daughter
Listen to the Greenough family tell their story of shielding during lockdown
As rules are now ease for the most vulnerable in our communities, ITV News Meridian has been meeting people across the region who have been shielding during lockdown.
It comes as those shielding are now able to meet more friends and, if they live alone, can form a bubble with another household.
The Greenough family from Oxford have been confined to their home for more than four months.
It is because their daughter, four-year-old Ella, has a condition that affects the nerves and muscles.
Ella has been fed via a peg in her belly since she was one.
She was in hospital and when she came out, the family went straight into lockdown to protect her.
Her mother Kirsty says shielding has both its 'good days and bad days'.
The family say Ella has reached stressful points during lockdown.
Kirsty says on one occasion, Ella put on her rucksack, and holding hand sanitiser and her mask, announced "I'm going to see my friends now".
They have all been supported by a charity called Helen Douglas House Hospice, which they describe as their 'rock'.
Ella has been attending the hospice since she was 6 months old, due to the symptom management of her underlying condition.
Despite shielding rules easing from Monday (6 July), the family says they will take things slow for Ella.
Ella's father Craig says: "We will do it in our own time - when we feel it's best for our family."