In the last year, more Londoners than ever have stepped up to volunteer. Our Team London volunteers were deployed across London, making a difference everyday at NHS Nightingale, Transport for London and most recently, at local NHS Vaccination centres.
We asked Cleo, Steph, Ashley and Aga, why they answered the call to volunteer with Team London, and find out what were their best moments so far.
Cleo Lyn
Why did you decide to volunteer at a vaccine centre?
I had volunteered at the Nightingale educational centre at the O2 in the first lockdown. I found the experience to be very rewarding and enjoyable to help that I took the chance to do it again.
What did you know about the role before your first shift?
That I would be helping out marshalling the public around the centre to make sure they get their vaccine. The e-training we received beforehand was very comprehensive .
Did you feel safe at the centre?
Yes, everything has been considered to make me and the public feel safe. The space is so large that we can ensure that they can maintain social distance at all times.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of volunteering?
Do it! Even if you give a day a week, to help at a vaccination site it makes all the difference to making this happen.
Would you recommend volunteering for the NHS to your friends and family?
Yes! I have been getting them to volunteer.
Steph Roberts
Why did you decide to volunteer at a vaccine centre?
I have volunteered in numerous roles before and in the first lockdown, it was with The Nightingale. This time, I felt it was a more optimistic experience to be involved with and I felt really passionate about helping support the mass vaccination programme.
Did you feel safe at the centre?
Yes. Everything is very well run here. Masks are compulsory. There are many sanitising stations and of course, social distancing throughout the venue.
What’s been your best moment volunteering for the NHS?
Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they arrive to get their vaccination. It’s been a long time for a lot of people and this is the first step to returning to ‘normality’. It’s wonderful to see how happy and the relief people feel after their vaccination.
What will you take away from volunteering for the NHS?
We are all in this together. The clinicians, the pharmacists, the volunteers. It’s such a cohesive and supportive group, no matter what role you play at the vaccination centre.
Would you recommend volunteering for the NHS to your friends and family?
I already have! A few have signed up too!
What's your day job?
I’m a secondary school PE Teacher.
Ashley and Aga Dennis
Why did you decide to volunteer at a vaccine centre?
We are part of Team London who normally provide volunteers on London events. The email came through from TL looking for volunteers to support the NHS in the first Lockdown. We didn’t hesitate to step forward and try and give something back to fight against COVID. When the call came again, exactly the same sentiment sprang to mind to try and do what we can to help the world get well again!
Did you feel safe at the centre?
The Excel is perfect for the mass vaccination centre. The Boulevard, halls etc are all amply sized to practice and before social distancing. We are provided with masks and sanitiser and wipes to wipe down equipment. Security staff are there to bolster the volunteer teams at every point. If we have concerns or suggestions, these are easy to feedback and get auctioned.
What has been the best thing about volunteering?
Meeting people! Volunteers and patients alike, it is great to meet new people who have all been struggling in various ways throughout COVID and it’s a coming together of people who are all there for the same reason..to help and fight COVID. Being in lockdown has meant that we have had limited access to people and have face to face conversation. Volunteering has enabled us to have social contact with people which i think we have all missed and craved!
What makes you keep coming back?
We are humbled by the people we meet, they are thankful. It gives us a boost knowing that just by giving some free time, we are actually doing something to help the world! The teams of people we work with are all great and everyone brings a set of skills that makes it all work and gives you a sense of “yeah, we did well today!”
If you'd like to join Team London and volunteer at an NHS Vaccination centre, register now.