Are you looking to give something back and keep busy during this difficult time? Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) are still recruiting volunteers across Leicester and Leicestershire to assist across the community.
From a friendly telephone call to those who are self isolating to dog walking, there are many different ways to get involved. We find out a little more as part of this week’s BID Spotlight.
VAL is working with both the city and county councils to identify services and those that need help during this unprecedented time.
With more people finding themselves in a situation where they are unable to work due to the current circumstances, this initiative could provide those who are fit and well with the opportunity to make a difference to people who need it most. VAL are looking for volunteers who ideally enjoy working with other people, are keen to help in a crisis and willing to be flexible to the continually changing situation.
So far there has been a great response to the volunteer call, however with the peak period still to come the service is still keen for more sign-ups.
Kevin Allen-Khimani, Executive Manager – Public Sector Contracts & Projects at VAL, commented, “It is has been so humbling to see the amount of people that have come forward. As of today we have had 1250 registrations to volunteer and I can’t thank the local community enough.”
“We originally thought that a target of 1,000 would give us a good bank of volunteers, we have gone above that now and in light of the current situation where we are being advised nationally that we are still to hit the peak of things in the UK the more volunteers we can have signed up the better, there will be a lot of things to do and the more volunteers we have the more help can be given.”
As the situation continues to further impact communities there are a range of roles available for those who are happy to volunteer. There will be a variety of roles that people will be able to do, which could include:
- Deliveries of essential items such as food, medicines and the key items.
- Telephone befriending to make sure people have a link to the outside world.
- Supporting the local food banks with packing up food parcels.
- Hosting online chats for those more IT savvy.
- Walking dogs.
Kevin Allen-Khimani added, “We will look and take any request into consideration. Community languages are also a big ask for some of those that are already in self isolation.”
“We are looking for work to take place across any area of Leicester or Leicestershire. All volunteers will be given guidance and also ensuring that they have read the information on staying safe whilst volunteering.”
For businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire, VAL are also keen to hear from you if you feel that you may be able to assist on their projects. Please do contact them via [email protected] to discuss how you can assist on the forthcoming activity.
Those who are interested are being asked to visit the VAL Volunteering website and fill in the short form. This will then help to establish the bank of skills, qualifications and experience volunteers have to enable VAL to matchmake them with the areas and people that need support most.
Anyone who would like to put their name forward to become a volunteer can find more information and complete the online form.
If you are a charity or voluntary group that would like to register to be matched with volunteers, please visit the VAL website for further information.
Our BID Spotlight features are brought to you in collaboration with BID Leicester.
