Volunteers needed to help support vulnerable residents

People who are able to offer their time to help vulnerable residents during the ongoing pandemic are being urged to volunteer their time to a Chesterfield project.

Leaders of the Chesterfield Volunteer Centre are appealing for more volunteers for the To Your Door service, which delivers shopping and prescriptions to those who are shielding or self-isolating during the Covid-19 crisis.

The service – which is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council – wants to ensure it is well-prepared to help as many people as possible, as the number of Covid-19 cases begin to rise again.

Dave Radford, the centre manager, said: “This project has been vital over the last few months and with the future unpredictable it is likely to remain that way.

“Since lockdown began in April, we have provided over 1600 shop deliveries for people – a phenomenal effort from staff and volunteers alike. We are always looking for volunteers, so if you think you could spare a couple of hours a week to help someone then just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is a proud supporter of the Volunteer Centre and has partnered with the centre to help deliver a variety of community initiatives.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “The Volunteer Centre has been one of many organisations in Chesterfield that have gone out of their way to support our community through this crisis. Chesterfield Borough Council thanks everyone who has given their time to support this project, and others like it.

“Chesterfield has proved itself to have a strong community spirit in times of need and I would urge anyone who thinks that they can volunteer a few hours of their time to come forward and help this important service keep running.”

Once a referral is received The Volunteer centre sends out a request to all its volunteers with an outline of what is required; sometimes it is a shop, sometimes it is a prescription pick up, sometimes it might be an odd job like fitting a light bulb. Whatever the request, it will be something the individual is struggling to manage.

If a volunteer feels they can do it or has the time, then they simply email back to say so. The first person to reply gets the job.

Volunteers can do as much or as little as you like; some volunteers are active every day, some once a week, there is no pressure on people to do a set amount each week.

To find out more about volunteering with the Door to Door Service, please either email info@chesterfieldvc.org.uk or call 01246 276777.