NHS Volunteers

[rookiemere]

Apologies if there is already a thread on this and I've missed it - I did have a look but didn't see anything.

Is anyone volunteering to help the NHS? I'm really conflicted about it. On the one hand I would love to help and do something and as I work a 4 day week selfishly I may as well be doing something with my non paid day. On the other hand I'm reading that there isn't enough protective gear for NHS workers themselves so wouldn't you be putting yourself through high chance of repeated exposure to the virus and end up adding to the hospital bed numbers.

I can't do anything about it at the moment as I'm laid up with a weird lurgy that may or may not be the C virus. If there were tests and I'd had it then I'd feel much safer volunteering.

One of the options is phone based -calling isolated people. That could work?

I'm trying to register, but the site crashes when I submit.

I do understand- and echo your fears about exposure though. The volunteer contact options s are very low contact however. You can read the detailed notes on the individual 'job' descriptions for more info. But yes,still being out more eg to pick up prescriptions is a concern.

I’ve registered. It kept crashing last night but I’ve managed to get through this morning,

Funny how this thread is so quiet, cmon I thought we were all supposed to be in this together?

Ah that's good there are low contact options - that seems more sensible- I've not been on the site as yet because need to wait until i'm better to help out.

You can opt to do non contact work I think. I've registered, looking at the app it looks like they put a call out and it alterts your phone then you respond if you can

Actually I'm in Scotland so I don't know if there is a site for it might just be England/ Wales/ N Ireland. Does anyone know please?

Just England at the moment. Says here: www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders

DS has volunteered, a fit young man from a low risk household. I'm not completely comfortable with it, if I'm honest, but he was brought up to do his bit and stepped up.

The work does seem fairly low contact.

They've already had far more volunteers than they asked for Bulb1076, but not from MNetters?

Most will be low contact. Even a retired GP friend of mine was requested to go back - it means triaging calls on the phone. No direct patient contact.

I have signed up. Waiting for ID checks to go through. I volunteered for the picking up medicine and groceries for shielded people.

They're saying 48 hours for ID checks but given the response I expect it will be longer.

I've been wondering about safeguarding in relation to this. What ID checks are they doing BentBastard?

I just managed to send the signup, so I am awaiting appronow also.

I'm working full time so can't volunteer

...waiting approval now also...

As I am in a more vulnerable position by not having a spleen I am going to volunteer for phone contact. MY DH is going to volunteer to take shopping/meds etc, he is already doing this for my mum so it shouldnt make much difference. My understanding is that there is not contact for this, just leaving on the doorstep.

Oh well done those who have volunteered- I'll wait for it to be rolled out in Scotland.

Lang there is the opportunity to enter your DBS if you have already-I don't

Then it was enter 1 of 3 IDs: passport, driving licence or 2 utility bills. Enter the number for passport, then upload an image of the info page. No idea what they do with the info then...

You do realise volunteering doesnt mean directly with covid sufferers? Its general volunteering work to support the NHS with managing the crisis

@LangClegsInSpace I uploaded a picture of my driving licence, passport is another option (anyone with a current enhanced DBS can also upload that but mine is more than 12 months old so no use).

@Makeitgoaway Indeed, all these MNetters hoping other people volunteer...but not them or their families

I'm down for telephone support and shopping and awaiting further instructions form our co-ordinators in Bexley. Cancelled a pre-booked Asda slot as well a couple of days ago as they should be reserved for the vulnerable and their helper families not people capable of doing their own shopping. Got called out as a virtue signaller on the Ocado q thread when I dared to raise this!

I already work for NHS. I suggested DD who is home from uni volunteers but she has gone a bit quiet about it.

I am the full time carer for my DS 15 who is severely disabled but desperately want to help.

DH is classed as a key worker but has really flexible shifts so we could work something between us.

I really want to do my bit.

If I register can I say that I am only able to do phone work?

I am already doing this for the vulnerable in my street (arranged this myself last week) but feel that I could do much more.