Volunteers needed to help vulnerable people

Could you be a volunteer and help support vulnerable people in your community this winter?

Derbyshire County Council, working in partnership with community volunteer services across the county, is looking for volunteers to help support the work of its Community Response Unit during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

The Community Response Unit is for residents with no friends or family to call on who are:

• Self-isolating because either themselves or a member of the household is at risk
• Struggling to meet basic needs because of financial, social or health restrictions
• Pregnant
• Have underlying health conditions
• Aged 70 or over.

Volunteers could be asked to help with food shopping and delivery, collecting and delivering prescriptions, or checking up on people who are isolated with a phone call or online help to prevent loneliness and checking whether there is anything they need.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Cllr Barry Lewis said: “Earlier on in the year hundreds of people signed up to volunteer, helping thousands of vulnerable residents across Derbyshire in what was an incredible display of Derbyshire spirit.

“As winter approaches, we’re calling on that same spirit of looking after each other and asking people across the county who have time to spare to help again and look out for the most vulnerable in our communities.

“You might be someone on furlough looking to keep busy during your time away from work and boost your mental health. Or you might be looking to improve your CV by developing new skills and knowledge and volunteering through our Community Response Unit may help.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment it can be something you do in the short or medium-term, so whatever time you can give, we want to hear from you.”

To volunteer, under current restrictions, you must be aged from 18 to 70 and be considered fit and well to help out.

Residents need to contact their local volunteer service and register their interest. To find your nearest volunteer service, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/givehelp

If you registered your interest earlier in the year and was not contacted, you can get in touch with your local volunteer centre.

Residents in need of  help and with no friends or family to call on can  visit the council’s website at derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp, or phone 01629 535091 to request support. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.