Hubs - Volunteers - Government Statement

[Flaxmeadow]

As I understand the government statement today (Sunday).

The government in the next few days will be setting up 'hubs' in towns and cities across the country, and that there will be a chance for people to volunteer for all kinds of work.

Not sure if the hubs will be where to offer to volunteer or how the recruiting will be done. As I said, not yet set up but probably will be very soon. One to watch for anyone who is thinking about volunteering.

I looked into volunteering. I saw the Red Cross are recruiting volunteers so plan to sign up when I’m over the virus myself (obviously not tested but pretty sure), I’ll be immune so not a risk to others hopefully.

Great Shasta

Hope you have a speedy recovery

I've been googling all weekend about trying to find something. Pleased to hear the announcement today and expect more info soon hopefully

I'm glad they've made the announcement as I've been wondering too. I also have symptoms if not CV itself then a bad cough and chest infection, so I'm self isolating.

I'm really worried about some of my neighbours, I live around a LOT of old people, and many of them I never see have any visitors so I worry they aren't getting much support. I will try to help where I can, but I still have a full time job and need to look after my own family as well.

I think my organisation will be leading the volunteering effort (certainly recruitment, vetting and deployment). We've had our job descriptions binned and we specialise in volunteering. We've already managed to convince the government to get the DBS system temporarily sped up.
I'm imagining I'm going to be insanely busy for the next few months. Back in work on Tuesday and can update you, if you're interested...

I've been thinking about vulnerable neighbours too but not sure how to go about things. Dont want to alarm them and unfortunately we are getting scumbag criminals here trying to scam people. We have had numerous police warnings about this here.

Still keeping an eye out for my neighbours but thinking it might be best to wait a day or 2 for some national and local government direction.

Yes great slurpy

Right, will do.

Re. Your neighbours, has anyone set anything up in your area yet? Or town council has launched something (shortly after I set one up for my street, and shortly before I found out I was vulnerable and actually going to be working my tits off). Anyway, they've set up a FB group, have a phone number, organised people into very local teams and leafleted the town and surrounds. To be fair, we're a small town, great community and very rural, so probably not typical of most places.

Just checked, and they've put something up already: volunteeringmatters.org.uk/want-to-volunteer-and-help-communities-respond-to-coronavirus/
(That's me outed!)

No unfortunately the council doesn't seem to have set anything up yet but expect they will soon. Good to hear other councils are doing so. Will keep an eye out for any pages on FB

PS get well soon slimshady

Found out that many councils already have the (virtual) hubs in place.
Go to your local gov.uk site or google
Covid19 volunteer and your local gov.uk council

One of the things which has gladdened me has been the outpouring of support from people and organisations.Our local community voluntary service which coordinates local stuff has been overwhelmed with offers of help.