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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Aibu to cry over the NHS volunteer army?

124 replies

HillAreas · 25/03/2020 11:38

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! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

OP posts:

Nearlyalmost50 · 25/03/2020 15:37

I think it's amazing that so many people have volunteered.

I am concerned, though, about the situation with food and how it is currently distributed, so with hardly any online orders, more and more people are being forced into shopping face to face in supermarkets, and if they are getting food for other people, that means going several times a week to the supermarket to help them out (due to the limits on amount of products per person). It may be better (safer) to get some of these vulnerable people to sign up to online deliveries if they can get slots due to their status which we now cannot.

I am concerned about lots more people tramping about, getting petrol, going to shops, it all seems the least sensible way to organise minimal contact between individuals in society as a whole.

Also, with much work carrying on as normal, public transport is equally packed.

We just don't seem to have hit that sweet spot of isolating most of the population yet, and I would hate for volunteers without any PPE to be a further part of that.

christmaskit · 25/03/2020 15:39

I've volunteered too.
I've also volunteered my two older teens, seeing as their GCSEs and A levels are cancelled.

Nearlyalmost50 · 25/03/2020 15:43

I've also volunteered my two older teens, seeing as their GCSEs and A levels are cancelled

I thought they had to be over 18 on that particular website, I'm sure it said that as I checked as I thought my two could volunteer.

Happygirl79 · 25/03/2020 15:43

My daughter went out for her early morning run at 6 this morning before going back to work from home
She rang me to say she broke down in tears as she felt so emotional about seing no one else about
I think we're all emotional right now as we're in shock.
I have found myself feeling tearful over the silliest things
We are so lucky to have such wonderful people helping

JustMySize · 25/03/2020 15:43

There'a a white van man on our street who must have been out and back about 10 times already today, doing what I have no idea.

Why do people think they are more important and think they know better than everyone else.

My only hope is that if they do get sick (with anything) then they don't take others down with them.

They are selfish just selfish.

DobbyLovesSocks · 25/03/2020 16:02

@SoupDragon does your DS have a bike? He could maybe deliver small prescription items to your local area? Same for anyone else who wants to help but has no transport. They could buddy up with someone who has transport? Obviously taking distancing into consideration

slartibarti · 25/03/2020 16:07

I volunteered for the driving about stuff, collecting prescriptions and bags of groceries.
Have to say I'm not being altruistic in the least. Its for my benefit .
I'm not used to spending hours at home, getting very restless after only a few days. It'll be a relief to have an excuse to go out.

HarrietThePi · 25/03/2020 16:09

I can't drive so volunteered to do the phone calls. I'm terrible at making conversation though... I will try my best!

Fivefourthree · 25/03/2020 16:31

I've volunteered too. Ticked the phone calls box.

Fivefourthree · 25/03/2020 16:34

Nearlyalmost they were on TV talking about it just now, and I think shopping volunteers get vouchers/id so they can get someone else's shopping whilst doing their own, and ideally still only going to the shop once a week.
But I was only half watching so could have that wrong

Alaimo · 25/03/2020 16:42

I signed up, but only realised afterwards that it's England-only. I hope they pass on my details if/when a Scottish equivalent is set up.

I am currently between jobs, DH is working from home. I think it'd be good for both of us if I had something productive to do rather than just hang around the house all day.

Madcats · 25/03/2020 16:49

When I signed up for our CompassionateCommunities scheme, we had to tick which jobs we would be willing to do and indicate whether we had a driving licence and DBS check (stating through which organisation).

SansaSnark · 25/03/2020 16:56

I believe it- Even before this, I was seeing a lot of people on facebook setting up community groups or using existing groups (e.g. Young Farmers) to help people who are elderly or rural and self-isolating. I also saw lots of teacher friends on facebook volunteering their help with homeschooling children, and volunteering to go into schools over Easter.

I would have liked to have volunteered for this but am "on call" for my school over the Easter holidays, so felt I couldn't commit to it properly. The call and check sounds like a great idea that lots of people can get involved with and feel like they are helping!

Well done to everyone who has signed up!

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 25/03/2020 17:04

405,000 people have volunteered in one day! Phenomenal!

TheDogsMother · 25/03/2020 17:05

I've volunteered for Chat and Check In and am just waiting for my checks to go through. I have asthma so felt this might be better for me than face to face. We are looking out for an elderly neighbour though with phone calls and shopping.

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 25/03/2020 17:08

I signed up. Pretty sure I'm back to working on Friday, but I will help as much as I can.

SleepingStandingUp · 25/03/2020 17:11

All of those who have volunteered, you're amazing. I'm home "schooling" a vulnerable 4 yo whilst trying not to stint the development of 3 month old twins and I have Uni assignments due (open university so nothing changes) and I feel shit I don't have mental or emotional capacity. When it's all over cna I volunteer to make the volunteers cake?

SlayB · 25/03/2020 17:20

I hope they get the anti body test /corona testing and some ppe to guard themselves. What police checking are they asking for ?

slartibarti · 25/03/2020 17:34

I hope they get the anti body test /corona testing and some ppe to guard themselves. What police checking are they asking for ?

On application form on the site it asks for photo of driving license, passport or other specified ID.
Says it'll take up to 72 hours to do the checks ?police/social services check.

Slothkin · 25/03/2020 17:44

@yoloPenguinsEatfish there are indeed guidelines! You can escalate any concerns or requirements to a support team. The welcome pack is very informative. You can also toggle the app between on and off duty, so don’t be put off if your available time is limited!

FeelingCrap54 · 25/03/2020 17:48

I’m waiting to hear back from them now but I already have a DBS.

I have a couple of friends who have been told to shield. One has had a heart transplant and the other has severe COPD.

I’m glad to know there is going to be a service to support them and I am quite happy to volunteer my time as my husband is home to care for DS.

JackiFazaki · 25/03/2020 18:08

You are magical selfless people. Thank you.

fussychica · 25/03/2020 18:21

DS, a teacher, volunteered straight away for the driving elements. He is on a rota for going into school but apparently you will be able to use an App to notify when you are not available so that doesn't seem to be an issue. His partner is key NHS worker so I think he was keen to show his support for her.

Ponoka7 · 25/03/2020 18:43

JustMySize
"There'a a white van man on our street who must have been out and back about 10 times already today, doing what I have no idea."

Don't be so judgemental then. He might be part of a community volunteer program, or have elderly relatives etc. But tradespeople are allowed to work as long as social distancing is practiced.

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