One of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, is calling on Preston residents to volunteer for an hour per week or more through the difficult winter.
AdvertisementThe Royal Voluntary Service is urging people to pull together and support one another, like at beginning of the pandemic, and return to volunteering.
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The call comes just before the winter months, which may see over 50s with health conditions or other vulnerable people struggle.
Simple tasks such as helping with shopping, food deliveries, prescription collections and making friendly phone calls to at-risk individuals can help vulnerable people cope better through the crisis.
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Thousands of volunteers will be required to assist and protect the NHS by supporting the most vulnerable patients to stay safe and well.
The NHS Volunteer Responders scheme in England has continued to run throughout the summer since its launch in April and is now seeing an increase in requests for help from the public and the NHS.
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Volunteers can help in the community or volunteer from home and when choosing which to do, should always keep in mind their own level of risk, and follow guidance on volunteering safely. The public can explore a range of volunteering opportunities by visiting the ‘Hour of Need’ campaign on the Royal Voluntary Service website.
Chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, Catherine Johnstone CBE said: “Britain faces a very difficult winter, with coronavirus cases rising and restrictions tightening, we must expect there will be many vulnerable people needing volunteer support over the coming months.
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“People are already worn down by the virus and are desperate for normality but we must steel ourselves to come together again to support the most vulnerable.
“In April the community responded quickly and brilliantly but we need that support to step forward once again. We are today making an urgent appeal, please support the COVID response by volunteering. If you can offer an hour a week or, perhaps even more, then please do come forward.”
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Will you be doing any volunteering this winter? Let us know in the comments below