The value of volunteering

Most charities and community groups are run by volunteers. And without these volunteers the good work these organisations do to help those in need or provide services which would otherwise not be available, would simply not happen. Volunteers are, and always will be, a vital part of a kind and caring society. But, during the past year in particular, voluntary groups have been more in demand than ever.

Due to the pandemic, many of us have experienced financial hardship. Others have experienced loneliness and isolation. And all of us have experienced the fear and vulnerability of catching and spreading a virus, not knowing how (or how long) it would affect us.

Despite this, our town is relatively lucky. Diss has many amazing voluntary organisations and community groups, all of which have gone above and beyond over the past year. But, during this pandemic, there have been three examples of volunteering in action that have targeted the key areas of hardship, loneliness and vulnerability most in evidence since the virus hit.

Help with hardship

FareShare redistribute surplus food from some of the UK’s top food companies to those in need. A nationwide organisation, it operates regularly through a team of loyal volunteers from the Diss Youth and Community Centre (DYCC) with the support of Tesco, Diss Town Council, MTM Youth Services and other individual donors. For those (particularly families) experiencing unexpected financial hardship due to the pandemic, it has helped enormously.

“I was very honoured and humbled to be invited to see how the FareShare scheme, based in DYCC, has continued to support the communities of Diss through this year of lockdown,” said Diss Town Councillor, Sonia Browne. “A big thank you to Sam, Julia and colleagues for their steadfast support. The food was originally only received from one of the supermarkets. Now, however, other shops are donating not just tinned food, but essential toiletries, nappies, fruits vegetables and frozen food.”

Giving protection

The UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is the world's first mass immunisation campaign and the biggest of its kind ever undertaken by the NHS.

But, with NHS staff also tasked with keeping other vital services going, delivering on such a scale requires reinforcements. Which is why, from GP practices, care homes and pharmacies to hospitals, sports stadiums and community centres, volunteers are helping with the rollout of the vaccine at sites all around the country. Including here in Norfolk, where one of those volunteers is our very own Diss Town Councillor, Mark Gingell.

"I decided to train as a vaccinator when I heard that there was an urgent call for volunteers to help with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme,” says Mark. “I’ve always felt comfortable receiving injections and felt I had the skills, limited experience, knowledge and capacity to undertake the role. I also saw it as another opportunity to extend the work I do for Diss Town Council and support the residents, businesses and visitors of Diss.”

Mark has been one of the many volunteer vaccinators based at the Diss Youth & Community Centre (DYCC) since it opened as a vaccination centre in mid-May.

Mark Gingell

A friendly and informative voice

Social distancing and self-isolation have been a necessary, but challenging, fallout of COVID-19. With so many people at home for a variety of reasons, local radio became a vital source of information and entertainment. Park Radio’s team of over 50 volunteers has helped those living alone or in isolation feel connected and cared for. It’s also given a lot back to the volunteers.

“Being part of Park Radio has been a dream come true - something I didn't expect to happen in my late 40s and early 50s!” says volunteer and presenter, Andrew Cooper. “I've been able to offer some of my skills to the station (my background is in teaching and leadership) and, in return, I have learnt so much about making good local radio. I have built some good friendships and met many interesting people from the local community. It's been a pleasure to be part of this great local initiative.”