How Can Volunteers Help During the Coronavirus?

If you have had your plans to volunteer in Africa put on hold because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic then you can turn to alternative ways of helping others and supporting people via different avenues until the coast is clear to set off on your overseas trip. 

Neighbourhood Watch

Looking out for your neighbours is one of the simplest things that every volunteer can do during these times. Offering to help the elderly, vulnerable, or just a neighbour who has little time on their hands by getting some shopping and/or running various errands is a great way to help out. 

As we mentioned, you don’t have to purely focus on neighbours who are self-isolating, elderly or vulnerable. Others in your community who will almost definitely be more than grateful of you giving them some valuable support can include: 

• Medical staff and volunteers working around the clock
• Staff and volunteers devoted to their key worker roles
• Supermarket employees
• Delivery drivers
• Emergency services staff and volunteers who are on the frontline. 

Even if you drop them a message or leave a note at their door with your contact details explaining that you are looking to offer them some assistance could be crucial for them right now and over the next few weeks. 

Join Organisations Delivering Support

A whole host of charities are working tirelessly to provide assistance to services and people who need it most. There will be many who are currently working local authorities and the government in order for volunteers to find a placement. 

For those who are looking for some ideas, you can contact your local Volunteer Centre or you can head over to the Do-it website. Here, you will be guided to those who need your help most urgently. 

Additionally, you can opt to sign up to the NHS Volunteer Responders list. The volunteer responders are delivering vital support to the NHS during the Covid-19 outbreak. You’ll be signing up to assist the work going on to protect and aid the 1.5 million people in England who are most at risk from the virus to stay healthy.  

Other Ways to Help and How to Stay Safe While Volunteering

It’s important to remember your own health and well-being when you are volunteering. Here are some of the best ways that you can do that while volunteering during the Coronavirus. 

1.     Inform your family and friends of your new volunteering role.

2.     Phone and video call friends and family to check-in and provide a friendly face/words of support.

3.     Remain at least two metres or three steps away from the people you are assisting.

4.     Offer to do tasks for people such as collecting essentials from the shops, but remember to stay outside of people’s homes and stick to social distancing rules.

5.     Be strict and regularly washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.

6.     Don’t put yourself under too much strain. If there’s too much going on in your schedule, you run the risk of letting people down.

7.     Stay positive. 

No matter how big or small your input is when it comes to volunteering, you are helping to make a difference and it’s times like these that people need you the most. So, while you’re waiting to be an overseas volunteer, volunteering at home is a wonderful way to gain even more experience.