Can You Help Give a Boost to the Booster Programme?

The increasing threat from the Coronavirus Omicron variant is a call to arms for people in Berkhamsted and Tring as volunteers are needed to support the increased roll-out of booster jabs. If you want to be part of a history-making moment, to be able to say that you were one of the people who helped out, read on as Community Action Dacorum want to hear from you.

Hundreds of kind and generous people have already given so much of their valuable time volunteering at the local Vaccination Hubs.

As you are probably aware, the Government has this week announced that they are extending the roll-out of the Covid-19 Booster and Vaccination programmes, resulting in the need for more volunteer help. In Dacorum, the two vaccination centres will be open throughout the Christmas period, only closing for the Bank Holidays (25–28 December and 1–2 January). Community Action Dacorum has been supplying all the volunteer marshals at the two vaccination centres in Hemel Hempstead for almost a year, and have been amazed at the fantastic response from the residents of Dacorum.

However, now that life is getting back to normal, and people have gone back to work, they have found that they really need more people to get involved.

Shifts at the Hemel Hempstead Hospital Hub are in 4-hour blocks between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week, and at the Maxted Road Hub the shifts are a little shorter – usually 3-hour blocks. Roles are varied, and some volunteers will be able to volunteer outside.

The lower age for volunteering at the Hospital Hub is 16, and at the Maxted Road Hub is 18. Training and support is provided.

Positive feedback from volunteers at the Vaccination Hubs:

‘At my first shift I was quite nervous, but I have really enjoyed the experience, and am proud to be helping my local community’

‘I feel that I am doing something worthwhile and am really enjoying it. It has been good for my mental well-being’

‘I have really enjoyed my first experience of volunteering – I am so pleased that I am able to have a positive impact on people’s lives’

If you are able to spare a few hours each week to help with the Booster and Vaccination programme, please email volunteering@communityactiondacorum.org.uk for more details, or call 01442 247209.