Aibu to cry over the NHS volunteer army?

[HillAreas]

I’m more emotional about this whole situation than I had realised.

250,000 have volunteered already. Aren’t these people just bloody wonderful? For every wee arsehole that refuses to comply with lockdown thinking they are the exception, there are more good people out there doing their bit and looking to do even more.

Three cheers for the volunteers and thank you all so much! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

It’s brilliant. I think after the financial year my work might ask for Furlough volunteers - in which case I will request furlough and volunteer myself!!

There’s still people coming and going on my close like normal and there’s no one vulnerable etc.

We’re never going to get rid of it at this rate.

Completely agree. I only wish I could to but my health just isn't up to it

I’m so glad this has happened. I was feeling guilty that we’re healthy but not able to volunteer because of juggling work and childcare.

Thanks to all who did.

@Wakemeuuuup I'm also in quite poor health but have volunteered as a 'Chat and Check In' person. Basically, I'll be phoning people who are in isolation for a chat and to check up on them. I myself am in isolation for 12 weeks.

my dp did. He's lost his business because of the crisis (it was related to events/hospitality and everything has been cancelled) and he doesn't want to just sit at home. I really hope they take him up on it because at least it would be something that he feels he's contributed having lost so much.

well done everyone who has volunteered

I volunteered last night. I'm not surprised if they are inundated with volunteers, I think a lot of people want to help.

It's mostly delivering shopping and medicine. Bit misleading to link it to NHS

Could join yourself? There is a role suitable for everyone

We have this up and running in my area already, coordinated by Facebook and WhatsApp.

The pages are already busy with people picking up prescriptions and getting shopping for isolated people. It's not directly helping the NHS but it is indirectly - as it means that vulnerable people are able to remain in their homes and safe.

I signed up and am waiting for my authorisation. With having small DC I plan to offer to transport items between hospitals rather than collecting patients. I have 2 jobs, one wfh and one with hours significantly reduced so if I can coordinate when DH has days off then I will try to help.

@gypsywater DH and I are both (attempting to) WFH while looking after two kids with bad coughs (and I’m pregnant too) so not in a position to volunteer myself at present.
I did say to DH the other day that I wish I had superpowers to help everyone that will be needing it. It’s scary how dependent we all are on society functioning a certain way and how vulnerable we really are when it goes wrong. Feeling rather powerless.
@ILoveYou3000 that’s interesting, I didn’t know that was a thing! Maybe that’s something I would be able to do once we are out of our current guddle at home. We’ve both been checking up on our older relatives more frequently than usual anyway.

Worries me slightly that many of these people are elderly and some have not great health. ( as stated on this thread). Don't want them to end up as patients!

I welled up a bit as well...every bit of kindness and solidarity has be sniffing away these days

It's not the elderly who have volunteered in my area. Its the stay at home mums, students, people who are now working from home and can take 20 minutes out to make a call or collect a prescription, 16 and 17 year olds who have had their exams cancelled... all sorts of people.

DS has volunteered. He's a good lad but it's mostly so he's allowed out He definitely didn't want the phone call work!!

I hope they take him up on it, better that a fit 19 yo does it than the demographic that usually forms the volunteer workforce, but lots of willing people now have time on their hands.

DS1 wanted to volunteer but he can't drive and really didn't want to do the phoning people thing. I wonder if they will come up with other options as time goes on?

I can't wait to start our business closed at half term conferencing / exhibition and will probably be the last to reopen.
I need to do something proactive

Sorry, but I think they're stupid.
More to catch the virus and spread it, when they should be at home.
I'd go mad if one of my family were so stupid.
But besides this, I don't think so many have volunteered, we are being lied to so we don't panic.

If you are stuck at home and have half an hour to spare they're looking for volunteers to ring and have a chat with vulnerable people who are in limbo for 12 weeks

www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

@Devlesko

Unbelievable. You ‘re a right ray of sunshine , aren’t you? People are trying their best.

I don't think so many have volunteered, we are being lied to so we don't panic

🙄

@Devlesko we'll leave the shielded people without food or medicine then, that's a good plan.

@Devlesko

Well I've volunteered for definite. Without volunteers who is going to take meds to those in need, take shopping to the elderly etc?

I'm on day 8 of total isolation at home but have volunteered to do the phone work as every bit helps. People will be lonely and scared and sometimes a friendly voice makes all the difference

Ive volunteered...

I've suggested it to DM. A retired social worker who normally volunteers with Age UK, this sounds perfect for her. (Check in and chat of course)

@Devlesko don't worry, I think we'll be fine without you and your family