Nottinghamshire County Council chairman praises vaccination support volunteers with more still needed

The chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council has heaped praise on the heroic volunteers who are supporting the Covid vaccination effort.
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Some 300 county residents from all walks of life have been working hard to support medical staff as they carry out their vital work at local vaccination centres and the three hospital hubs.

Volunteers are meeting and greeting patients, registering details, carrying out temperature checks and supporting people’s general wellbeing.

Council chairman Stuart Wallace said: “I’m incredibly impressed by the efforts of our volunteers – our unsung heroes. This truly shows the spirit of Nottinghamshire to fight back against the pandemic.

Volunteers are supporting the NHS and patients at vaccination sites across the country. (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)Volunteers are supporting the NHS and patients at vaccination sites across the country. (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
Volunteers are supporting the NHS and patients at vaccination sites across the country. (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

“I’m particularly proud to hear the stories of our own staff who have been working hard to do their jobs in the week and then volunteering at the weekends or during their days off. Thank you to everyone who has given their time to help.”

One of those council staff who is pitching in is Paul Cannon, who was keen to put his mental health first aid training to good use.,

He said: “It’s in my nature to support people and when the opportunity came up to work in one of the vaccination centres, I signed up immediately.

“My mental health throughout the lockdowns has been fine but the one thing that I have missed the most is the interaction of different people, face to face.”

Paul CannonPaul Cannon
Paul Cannon

Jannine Harris is another council employee who rushed to help.

She said: “When I saw the volunteering opportunities, I immediately signed up to help with the vaccination programme.

“I had life-saving surgery last year, just as the COVID pandemic was reaching its peak and the NHS were nothing short of amazing. I spent the first lockdown shielding and barely left the house so this was my opportunity to show my gratitude and give something back.”

More volunteers are needed to work six hour shifts between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

Jannine HarrisJannine Harris
Jannine Harris

People need to be in good health and aged between 18 and 70, and will be given a package of training and support to prepare them for their role.

For more information, call 01636 610773.

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