May 2020 Newsletter by Northumbria Blood Bikes

Thank you to all our friends at the NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance. To all key workers and volunteers and not forgetting the other emergency services, Police and Fire Brigade all working to protect us during this Covid 19 Pandemic #clapforcarers Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Helping us by helping others- the huge hearts of our volunteers Our NBB volunteers certainly are creative when it comes to fundraising. One of our volunteers Victoria and her daughter and sometimes with hubby on elastic duty, have been busy making washable two layered face masks, for the staff at Prince Bishops vets and other key workers. They have given materials and time for free and have not taken any payments from these important key workers. Some recipients have been keen to make a payment, so Victoria has asked for any donations to NBB. Victoria and family a huge thank you for your hard work. All donations small and large are so invaluable to help us to support our amazing NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance colleagues.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Amazing Mark Master Masons Donation Towards the end of 2019 we discovered that our current radio system would no longer be supported so we began our mission to find a new one. After pulling together a working group of volunteers we started looking at new options. We decided upon the Wave Radio, the Motorola TLK-100i, as it best fit our requirements for dispatching, tracking and two-way communications. We placed the order and were set for delivery just as the global pandemic hit meaning all future fundraising events ground to a halt. As we had no choice but to change radio systems, we knew the cost would have a significant impact going forward with limited funds coming in. It was such a relief and much to our surprise when we heard from the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons that the Mark Benevolent Fund would donate the full cost of our new communication system of ÂŁ23,541. This meant we could save the funds we had reserved for the new radios for keeping our fleet on the road. Last weekend we saw the first live on shift use of the new radios and heard nothing but glowing reports from the volunteers who have used them so far. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comfort to know that we have fully working comms during a time we find ourselves busier than ever. We

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

honestly can’t thank the Mark Benevolent Fund enough for their continued support of the Blood Bikes and coming through for our charity at this difficult time. Darren W. Coleman-Heald, Charities Manager, Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons said: “The Mark Benevolent Fund and the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons are delighted to be able to continue the relationship with our Blood Bike 'Family' albeit in these difficult and uncertain times. The service provided by them is second to none - always going the extra mile - literally. The support provided to Blood Bike organisations by the Mark Benevolent Fund has enabled each of them to achieve their goals more quickly than might otherwise have been the case. The partnership we have forged with Northumbria Blood Bikes will endure, underlining the Mark Benevolent Fund’s commitment to practice charity in its broadest sense. Our members will be delighted and comforted to know that their donations are being used wisely.” The ‘Mark Benevolent Fund’ is operated by the Mark Masons’ Hall. The funds raised by the Mark Benevolent Fund largely come from donations received from individual Freemason members and also Masonic Lodges. The fund has been in existence since 1868 and has donated millions to worthy applicants large and small.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

More Amazing Freemason DonationsStrathmore Lodge- Province of Durham

A magnificent £500 donation was received in May 2020 from the Freemasons of Strathmore Lodge, Province of Durham. The Lodge had booked a talk by one of our NBB volunteer speakers John, that was sadly cancelled due to the Covid- 19 restrictions. The members of Strathmore Lodge were still keen to send us their very generous donation. Many thanks to the Freemasons of the Lodge we are extremely grateful for your kindness and we hope we can see you soon for that talk'.

In last months newsletter we told you about a simple way you can raise funds for us when online shopping.

EasyFundraising Raise free donations for NBB when you shop online In last month’s newsletter we told you about a simple way you can raise funds for us when online shopping. Just start your online shopping by first going to the ‘easyfundraising’ website, then shop as normal with your favourite stores. The retailers will then make a small donation to your chosen charity to say “thank you”. You will even receive a notification when your charity has been paid. Easy as 1,2,3. It would be great if you could register with NBB as your chosen charity and won’t coast you a penny.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Help Us to Help Them During this very difficult time we are doing everything we can, to continue to support our fabulous NHS and Great North Air Ambulance Service partners. Our volunteers will be working Mon-Fri, 7pm to 7am and Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 24/7. We will be taking blood and samples for testing, equipment and notes and a myriad of other essential items to hospitals in the region. We want to thank them all for the amazing work they do, by continuing our services. To keep our volunteers safe, we will be restricting our public presence via our talks, fundraising ventures, raising awareness and pausing volunteer recruitment. This is also to comply with the Governments Covid 19 requirements. This does mean however that vital donations are not coming into our charity. We understand that many face uncertainties during this difficult pandemic however, should you wish to make a donation this can be made via: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and then search for Northumbria Blood Bikes To keep NBB operating we need to bring in ÂŁ5500 per month. This covers fuel, radios, insurances, repairs, high viz jackets and also the minimal back office costs such as websites, software and IT equipment etc. None of our volunteers are paid to work for us and for some roles it is almost a full-time occupation. We are continuously humbled by our incredible volunteers, and the generosity of spirit and donations from our sponsors and the public.

Thank you for your support and please keep safe and well

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Volunteer Shift Controllers In our last edition of the newsletter we highlighted the work of our volunteer controllers. These are volunteers who undertake a six-hour operational shift. The role of the controller is to take all the calls from our NHS partners, and to determine which rider or driver is the best to allocate the job to. There are several parameters controllers need to consider and this requires good logistical thinking. Controllers for example will determine the type of job, fuel cost, timing, urgency of the job, scheduled run ops, the weather, road closures, the well-being of riders/drivers and other factors such as being able to group jobs together. They will be directing riders/drivers, taking calls and logging work, so multi- tasking skills are a must. Once we are able to induct and train new controllers, if you like the sound of this role please get in touch. See our last newsletter April 2020 for more information or check it out further on our website. https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/ Shift Controller Quick Questionnaire- Ann Brown What made you want to volunteer for NBB? Having been ill and in and out of hospitals and too ill to work, I volunteered as my way of giving something back and to say thank you. Also, after being ill in 2019 and admitted to hospital my bloods where taken and NBB carried my samples to the labs. When I had surgery 3 days later it was NBB who transported my samples, they also brought blood for my exceptionally long surgery, helping to save my life. What role/s do you undertake for NBB? I have become a member and after attending the welcome meeting I stayed behind for the shift controller workshop. The trainers mentioned more in detail about what was involved and that I could pick dates and times to suit, it was ideal for me. I have also held an event to raise money as a thank you for helping me out when ill last year. Because of my ill health the shift controller role suits me. I work from home, using the telephone to talk to hospital staff and radios Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

to talk to rider/drivers. I had a job where the phone and talking was my life, so I thoroughly enjoy, the interaction. It’s also highly addictive, satisfying and rewarding. What do you really enjoy about being a shift controller? I love the interaction with the medical staff and Driver/Riders who you get to know. It’s highly satisfying and rewarding knowing you are doing your little bit to help. You get to pick your work dates and times and get to know people who do regular shifts. I work from home, so I don’t have to worry about how I’m feeling or if I need a drink, I get one. You have flexibility and still are helping a great cause and charity. Have you had any funny moments on shift that you can tell us about? Apart from when the radio goes and you home phone goes and if you have your mobile ringing too you don’t know which to pick up first. I have occasionally answered the phone as a shift controller or spoken on the radio as if it were a phone call. When I first started, I gave out the details of a complicated job with all the address and everything, to find I hadn’t pressed in and held the radio system call button, so, I had to do it all again. Sometimes I’m in my PJ’s and my hair is up not all styled. I would hate to think what they would say if they could see me! What is the most challenging aspect of the role? I took ill not long into a shift and had to ring the committee to get someone to take over part way through my shift. Also, if the equipment plays up that can be hard. But you have the mobile and I always put the driver/rider’s numbers in my phone ready. We are like a family, all there to help and support each other. Everyone has different ways of working but once you have worked a few shifts you get into you own routine. There is always someone you can call for help. Where do you work from when you are on your 7-hour shift? When I do my shift controller work. I have the dining table set up in dining room, with my home phone, Laptop, and all my paperwork which some I printed myself to keep track of everything. I have a sticky note with driver/

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

rider’s vehicles and radio numbers. I have a list with everyone who I am working with name, vehicle, if on shift or support or a particular run, mobile numbers. I have pens either side and scrap paper. I have it set up how I like it. I normally start about 1 hour before making sure I know who I am working with i.e. have there been any changes and I check shift controller notices and my emails. I also give every rider/driver a text. I started doing it and now do it every shift, then I know they have my number handy. Do you have any great tips or ideas for new shift controller? Be prepared. Its best to know who you’re working with and their contact number, in case you can’t reach them via radio. Get a knowledge of the scheduled runs, i.e. BOB and Hexham. If there are any new driver/riders on you can support them better if you know what they do. Find you own way of doing things, as what works for one does not always work for others. Don’t be afraid to ask riders/drivers or another shift controller for help you can ring your trainer. I couldn’t work with the sheets for scheduled shift i.e. Hexham and BoB so did my own. Take your time and repeat back the information given, best to check and get it right. What about NBB would you recommend to others? Everything, from supporting members and fundraising to shift controller to riders and drivers. We are all like a family who are giving back any way we can. It keeps you active and you meet and talk to some great people. Being disabled means I don’t get out and this is my way of feeling involved and helping.

Would you like to give a special shout out to anyone in NBB who has helped you or gone that extra mile to support you since you joined? Yes, I would like to thank my trainer Joe Parkin who spent the time to train me and was always at the end of the phone or text and is a great help. Also, he arranged for me to ride out with BOB car driver which helped me learn the job from the driver/rider’s side. Derek the BOB car driver taught me the run which, helps if any other driver/riders ask questions, it can seem complicated at first. There are a number of driver/riders who help me, and they don’t mind you asking questions. On my 2nd solo shift, I did a night shift1am to 7am, and Steve T. (who had been doing this for a long time), was a great help and support. Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day8.5.2020 On 8.5.20 we were all remembering the events of VE day 75 years ago. As our bank holiday Monday became a bank holiday Friday our volunteers commenced the delivery of 72 hours of non- stop support for the amazing NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance. By the time all jobs were logged, radio equipment put away and all vehicles were refuelled for free thanks to https://www.bp.com/ we are sure we reached 75 hours of service. As we send thanks and commemorate VE day we also thank all of our incredible volunteers for their dedicated and selfless support particularly during this difficult pandemic. We have been able to continue our services throughout because of your dedication.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Bournmoor, Fencehouses & Woodstone Village Community Support Group- Drinks Donation- May 2020 A huge thank you to Bournmoor, Fencehouses & Woodstone Village Community Support Group, who kindly donated drinks to NBB. You helped us to stay hydrated, as we worked our shifts to support the NHS and Great North East air Ambulance. Thank you very much it really was a lovely gesture and well received by our riders and drivers in these particularly warm days and nights.

A Special Key Worker Thank You Surprise Our two volunteers Frank and Lee had a lovely surprise in store for them, whilst on shift recently at the RVI Hospital. Tia (2 years) and Darcie (only 1 month old) gave them each a hand decorated bag of sweets to say thank you. We love the rainbows girls. Many thanks Tia, Darcie and Mum you made our volunteers evenings. Just the ticket to keep Frank and Lee all full up and raring to go. It means a great deal when people stop and say thank you or wave at us as we go about our work. Our volunteers are often humbled by the praise and stories of loved ones that have been helped by our services. NBB services are free for the NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance. We volunteer because we love to give back to our communities. We love what we do and are so grateful to our NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance colleagues for their dedication.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Blood Bikes working in Partnership to deliver PPE At the end of April 2020, we worked in partnership with Bloodrun EVS and The Blacksmith Arms, Swainby, to distribute essential PPE. The Blacksmith Arms have been producing visors for those on the front-line after launching a support campaign with Bloodrun EVS at the end of March 2020. Our volunteer driver Alan met up with Bloodrun EVS to transfer the stock made by the Blacksmiths Arms in Swainby. Thanks for the opportunity Bloodrun EVS itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always great to work with you. The deliveries of this vital PPE were made by our NBB volunteer driver Alan to: Freeman Hospital Bryony Park Nursing Home St Oswald Hospice Comfortcall North East Ambulance Service All free to the NHS and Care Services- thank you Blacksmiths Arms- Swainby

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Northumberland Lottery Update This was the new and exciting fundraising news brought to you by Tiger our fundraising lead in our last newsletter edition. We already have had some lucky winners so why not have a go yourself, tickets are only £1 and you could win, win, win!!! Please note that you must be aged over 16 years of age to play. It’s so easy to play. Log in to the website below, search for ‘Northumbria Blood Bikes’ and Register for an account, choose your lucky numbers and set up your desired payment. No subscription required so you can stop playing whenever you like. But as they say- ‘You’ve got to be in it to win it!’ https://www.northumberlandlottery.co.uk/

Draw 23.05.2020- Numbers- 033409 -(match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!) Ms T supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes – Won 3 extra tickets

Draw 16.05.2020- Numbers- 440032 -(match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!) Mrs R supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes-Won 3 extra tickets Draw 09.05.2020- Numbers- 571982-(match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!) Mr G supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes-Won £25.00 Mr T supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes – Won 3 extra tickets Mr B supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Draw 02.05.2020- Numbers- 599429 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!) Mr Y supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Thank you to one of our lucky winners in May 2020 who donated their Northumberland Lottery win straight back to us that was amazing!! Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

National Volunteers Week 1st-7th of June 2020 Volunteers week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Sadly due to Covid-19 celebratory events may be slightly different this year. At NBB we usually use this period to encourage people to volunteer for us as NBB is 100% volunteer led and run. Sadly due to the Corona virus we are unable to run our induction and training/assessment programmes that are compulsory and vital for all volunteers. So for now we have had to suspend our volunteer recruitment. Please keep an eye open on our website as once we can accept applications this will be highlight news. https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers past and present for all of their contributions and celebrate the amazing work they do. Thank you riders and drivers Thank you controllers Thank you fundraisers Thank you speakers Thank you to our brilliant behind the scenes volunteers Thank you committee You are all awesome and we could not do it without you

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Our rota manager Chris Mann also manages the requests from other areas to support the relay of blood, blood products, baby milk, specimens, equipment and samples. He sends a special thanks to the volunteers who, sometimes at short notice collect a blood bike or blood car and head over to meet colleagues from other blood bike organisations or the NHS. Team- work at its best and all free for the NHS. Great to work with you Blood Bikes Scotland and Cumbria Blood Bikes. Cumbria to Newcastle Relays 7.5.20- Our NBB Volunteer rider Lee met up with Cumbria Blood Bikes to deliver urgent samples to the Centre for Life. 14.5.20- Our NBB Volunteer Jeff met up with Cumbria Blood Bikes to deliver urgent samples to Newcastle Trust hospitals.

Edinburgh to Newcastle Relays 4.5.20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NBB Volunteer rider Frank met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to transfer and deliver urgent samples from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Northumbria Blood Bikes & Blood Bikes Scotland Free of Charge

25.5.20- NBB Volunteer Colin met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to transfer and deliver urgent samples from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to Newcastle Trust Hospitals. Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Fred Henderson Ltd-Durham-to the rescue- May 2020

In our last edition our fleet manager Alan Johnson wanted to give special thanks to our two vehicle support companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fred Henderson and BDS Motorcycles, for their ongoing assistance and support during the COVID19 pandemic. This month we are sending a second special thank you to Fred Henderson Ltd. We are immensely grateful of the support provided to NBB, who at very short notice went above and beyond to keep us on the road during the recent Bank Holiday weekend. This was after one of our vehicles had to be removed from service for urgent repair. The lone vehicle from Fred Henderson Ltd assisted us to continue offering our volunteer-led free service for the NHS during the #Covid19 crisis. We wonder if anyone spotted the #Ssangyong on shift? https://www.fredhendersonssangyong.com/ Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

National Bike Tyres- Newton Aycliffe- Special Thank You May 2020

Our Fleet Manager Alan Johnson wanted to highlight the great work of National Bike Tyres in Newton Aycliffe. He sends a big thank you for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;literallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; keeping our fleet on the road during the #Covid19 crisis. National Bike Tyres have been a long- term supporter and supplier of tyres for NBB and their amazing support, often at truly short notice helps keep the bikes on the road so we can continue our free service for the NHS. Thank you, National Bike Tyres you are amazing. https://www.nationalbiketyres.co.uk/ Unit 17 Leaside, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe. Co. Durham. DL5 6HX

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Clap for Carers May 2020 We continue to offer our thanks to all carers and key workers by joining in the national clap for carers on Thursdays. As our work locations are NHS surgeries, hospitals, and care homes you will find that our volunteers will stop and take part to offer our thanks for their dedication and support during this CVID 19 pandemic. Whilst on shift recently one of our volunteers Gary snapped this picture of an NBB Blood car. It seemed appropriate to share this as the rainbow has been adopted as a sign of support and caring during this difficult time. Stay safe and take care all. As we all do our best to reduce the impact of Covid-19, we continue to support our incredible NHS and Great North East Air ambulance colleagues by providing free services. Please look out for any symptoms, self- isolate and get tested to prevent the spread. Stay Safe everyone.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Can you spot the 10 differences between the 2 pictures below?

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Solution- Last Editions â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spot the Differenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;- Did you get m all?

What do you call a group of NBB Bikes? Our favourites so far are a clutch, a pannier, a clot and even a sample. It is not often our riders are seen all together, but as one twelve-hour volunteer shift was logging out and the next logging in this fab picture was snapped at the Freeman Hospital. Time for a quick catch up and even a well-earned cup-

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

BP Plc have very generously agreed that Blood Bike organisations registered with NABB will be entitled to free fuel at any BP petrol station. We cannot thank BP enough as this will assist us to continue the delivery of services to our NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance partners At a time when we are unable to fundraise by giving talks and attend events the support from BP has been amazing.

More info from BP Plc here: https://www.bp.com/en/global/ corporate/news-and-insights/pressreleases/information-for-uk-emergencyservices-bp-customers-and-partners.html

Thank you, BP, from all of the riders and drivers of our thirsty NBB bikes and cars. These pictures are NBB saying thank you BP as they refuel, to continue our volunteer work to support the NHS and the Great North East Air Ambulance colleagues Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Chris Mann- Rota Manager A huge thank you to all volunteers who have ensured that over the May 2020 period, including weekends and Bank holidays that the rota was full. Also, thanks to those who have stepped up at short notice to cover any last-minute changes and to undertake the relay runs. As always we continue to be busy and do our best to support our NHS and GNAAS colleagues.

Alan Johnson- Fleet Manager My thanks go to ‘National Bike Tyres’ who have kept us on the road ‘literally’ for some time. They have often assisted us, at truly short notice to keep running. Also, a big thank you to all of the NBB volunteers who have assisted in moving vehicles around as we undertake essential fleet maintenance and repairs. I would also like to thank Fred Henderson Ltd, they provided us with a replacement ‘Ssangyong’ vehicle over the Bank Holiday period whilst an urgent repair was carried out on our vehicle. Many thanks again Fred Henderson Ltd, for coming to our rescue, some of our team were very taken with the loan car.

Tiger Taylor- Fund Raising Officer Thanks to everyone who has joined the Northumberland Lottery. As you can see from the Lottery results, we already have some winners which, is great to see. Thank you also to those winners that have donated their winnings straight back to us that, is so generous. It’s really easy to join and we have included a step-bystep guide in this month’s newsletter, we hope that helps. We continue to be supported by the Freemasons and send our grateful thanks to them for all of their donations.

Sean Storey- Hospital Liaison Demand has continued for our services and the Job data from March and April 2020 is below. I would like to offer feedback from the Hospital Trusts who are grateful that NBB has continued to provide its services during this COVID-19 pandemic. I would also like to thank all volunteers who have really stepped up and ensured it was business as usual, thank you. Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

March 2020 NBB Job Statistics Trust Number of jobs Newcastle Northumbria Gateshead/South Tyneside County Durham and Darlington BoB-GNAAS Relay Corbridge Medical

406 377 31

Total number of jobs

1,039

77 61 65 22

April 2020 NBB Job Statistics Trust Number of jobs Newcastle Northumbria Gateshead/South Tyneside County Durham and Darlington BoB- GNAAS Relay Corbridge Medical

713 128 41

Other Total number of jobs

15 1,108

89 58 50 14

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689