Volunteers’ Week takes place between the 1-7 June 2021 and is an opportunity to thank those who contribute their time to volunteering. The past year has been difficult, and we recognise that many people have supported their local communities throughout the pandemic.
In Surrey, Voluntary Action South West Surrey supports the voluntary and community sectors in Guildford and Waverley. Over the past 12 months our team has supported mutual aid and neighbourhood support groups with information, provided support to individuals with mental health needs on our projects, and coordinated PPE supplies on behalf of Surrey County Council to charities and voluntary groups alongside many other tasks.
In addition to supporting the voluntary and community sector we have helped our health partner organisation with the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. We were able to provide immediate support and provide volunteers at a number of vaccination sites across the local area. These volunteers have been instrumental in the mammoth task of vaccination roll out.
The response to our requests for volunteers to assist at the vaccination sites has been phenomenal; shifts at the Cranleigh local vaccination site were filled within 52 minutes in February. Our volunteer availability and commitment exceeded the shifts available and we experienced a high volume of calls and emails from volunteers asking how they could help. The community spirit in Guildford and Waverly is strong and we look forward to working with our volunteers as we recover from the pandemic.
Lance Lathino, CEO at Voluntary Action South West Surrey visited the G live local vaccination site today to thank volunteers for their hard work and commitment to supporting their local community during an international pandemic.
Lance said, “Our volunteers have played a key part in the COVID-19 vaccination roll out and on behalf of Voluntary Action South West Surrey and all our partners we want to extend a thank you to everyone that has supported over the past year.”
There are hundreds of charities and community groups within Guildford and Waverly who are currently looking for volunteers. Our website has details of all vacancies and we encourage anyone who has some time to spare to register as a volunteer. Charities and community groups want volunteers from who walks of life, anyone can volunteer and support their community.