Not being the kind of person who can sit still for five minutes when the call was put out for manning Chertsey Hall to assist the NHS rollout the Covid19 vaccine programme I was there in the front of the queue. Having already co-ordinated volunteers for shopping and prescription collections during the 2020 lockdowns in Addlestone completing over 550 jobs to date, the 2021 vaccination target was something to work towards with other volunteers and clinical staff. At Chertsey Hall 20,015 jabs had been given up to 4th March, I’ve just completed my twelfth four-hour shift, there are so many volunteers we can only bid for two a week and I enjoy every moment of my shifts. It has been a real privilege to greet friends and neighbours at the door and serve the community in which I live, not to mention the camaraderie of NHS staff who are working flat out.
I would recommend volunteering as a feel-good during difficult times, the cold snap last month made things even more challenging as we endeavoured to keep the most vulnerable warm in long queues. Like us all I’m looking forward to the easing of lockdown and I know that I’ve done my little bit. You too can volunteer by contacting Voluntary Support 01932571122.
VOLUNTARY SUPPORT NORTH SURREY
We support charities and voluntary community groups in Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath. We offer free services to help local groups find volunteers, give funding advice, charity governance advice, training and engage with local employers to encourage employee volunteering CSR.
Shannon Saise-Marshall, Chair, Addlestone Royal British Legion Branch
Voluntary support North Surrey, Chertsey Office, 6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey, KT16 9AG
Telephone : 01932 571122 | Email : info@voluntarysupport.org.uk | Website: https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/