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Celebrating our ‘Hero’ Volunteers
Volunteers Geoff Wass and Julia Rome
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Covid-19 had a huge impact on the volunteering service at Provide. During the early phases of the pandemic, all volunteer roles were suspended. 90% of our volunteers were classified as vulnerable due to their age and as such had to self-isolate. Faced with this challenge, Provide had to reassess its approach and create new ways in which volunteering could continue to have a positive impact and support our communities. Following the introduction of the Government furlough scheme, Provide received a ground swell of new support from people who were furloughed and looking to volunteer. Grasping this opportunity, we set up and supported the Essex Wellbeing Service, onboarding an army of more than 500 volunteers within a six-week period.
The pandemic presented volunteers with the opportunity to undertake important infection control tasks, including taking temperatures and administering the ‘track and trace’ system at Provide locations.
Volunteers also helped colleagues move from Halstead Hospital to Braintree Community Hospital. Similarly, when Podiatry services relocated to Chelmsford, our patients’ ability to attend essential treatments was substantially impacted. This situation was compounded as the community transport usually available was suspended. Therefore, volunteer drivers were recruited and trained so patients could attend their appointments safely.
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