Not all heroes wear capes

Since the start of January 2021, Erewash Voluntary Action has had a dedicated number of volunteers helping at local vaccine clinics.

Volunteers have been doing a number of activities and tasks including:

• Welcoming people into the building, offering hand-gel, answering routine questions, handing out leaflets and guiding people to waiting or registration desks.
• Asking if people have shown any Covid 19 type symptoms in the past week.
• Answer any queries as best they can e.g. which vaccine is it today, where do I exit from the building.
• Reassuring those who are nervous.
• Asking if anybody with mobility problems needs the use of a wheelchair.
• Making sure people are wearing face coverings and offer one from the health centre stocks if they do not have one.
• Ensuring that people queue and enter the building in a socially distanced manner.
• Directing and coordinating the socially distanced flow of people throughout the health centres.
• Guiding people after any resting towards the one-way exit route using the fire exit to minimise risks of transmission in corridors.

Participants have said that it has been varied and rewarding, some stating that they feel like they are doing something to help get over the pandemic even if only a small input, with everyone being cheery, positive and grateful and detailing a very uplifting and enjoyable experience.

Erewash Voluntary Action which is based on Granville Avenue in Long Eaton, has issued a big thank you to all the volunteers who have helped at the health centres in the past few months.