Posted on 29th Jan
As the call has gone out for more people to volunteer at the increasing number of Covid-19 vaccination centres across Nottinghamshire, county council chairman Coun Stuart Wallace is praising the efforts of those who have already come forward.
Six local vaccination centres are now up and running, as well as three hospital hubs, and approximately 300 volunteers from all walks of life have been working hard to support medical staff as they carry out the enormous task of vaccinating residents.
Volunteers are needed to meet and greet, register people’s details, do temperature checks and support people’s general wellbeing.
Some of the volunteers are Nottinghamshire County Council staff, including Paul Cannon pictured), who was keen to put his mental health first aid training to good use
“It’s in my nature to support people and when the opportunity came up to work in one of the vaccination centres, I signed up immediately,” he said.
“My mental health throughout the lockdowns has been fine but the one thing that I have missed the most is the interaction of different people, face to face.”
Jannine Harris, another council employee who signed up straight away, added: “When I saw the volunteering opportunities, I immediately signed up to help with the vaccination programme.
“I had life-saving surgery last year, just as the COVID pandemic was reaching its peak and the NHS were nothing short of amazing. This was my opportunity to show my gratitude and give something back to the NHS as I spent the first lockdown shielding and barely left the house.
“When I turned up for my first shift, I was immediately impressed by the whole set up and there is a real sense of team spirit, with the over-riding aim to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible, but also safely.”
Coun Wallace said: “I’m incredibly impressed by the efforts of our volunteers – our unsung heroes. This truly shows the spirit of Nottinghamshire to fight back against the pandemic. I’m particularly proud to hear the stories of our own staff who have been working hard to do their jobs in the week and then volunteering at the weekends or during their days off. Thank you to everyone who has given their time to help.
“We do need more people to come forward, so if you are fit and well and aged between 18 and 70, please do your bit for Nottinghamshire.”
More volunteers are needed to work six hour shifts between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. People need to be in good health and aged between 18 and 70. All successful candidates will be given a package of training and support to assist them in their role.
Click here to find out more about volunteering or call 01636 610773.
