Helping those who need it most in your community

In addition to some great local initiatives, a partnership has been launched in Swindon between Voluntary Action Swindon, Swindon Borough Council and the Volunteer Centre Swindon to help manage the impact of the coronavirus updates, pairing up volunteers with those who need help.

Calling all volunteers

Members of the community who want to help those who are self-isolating who do not have their own support networks can now log their offers of support with Voluntary Action Swindon, who will work with Swindon Borough Council to pair them up with those most in need.  This might be speaking to someone over the phone to offer some companionship or collecting shopping for those who can’t get out of the house.

Pam Webb, CEO of Voluntary Action Swindon states.

“If you are someone who is self- isolating or in need of non-medical assistance as a result of the Coronavirus we would recommend in the first instance that you reach out to family members, neighbours and friends that you know personally.  But we are very aware that there will be people in our local community for whom this is not possible. These are the people we hope to help through our “Compassionate Swindon” initiative.  We also want to try and help the many charities and the care services continue to thrive who are also experiencing staff and volunteer shortages due to current containment protocols.

“As usual in difficult times the community spirit shines through and all three of the organisations in this partnership have been contacted by people wanting to volunteer.  We want to make sure that this fantastic community spirit is harnessed in the best way to keep both volunteers and those being helped safe.”

People who wish to help should visit www.vas-swindon.org to complete a simple online form indicating how they are willing to help. The team at the Council’s Live Well hub will be helping to on board all volunteers and match them to need."

Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said:

“The Live Well Hub in Swindon works all year round to provide a point of contact for anything related to improving a person's health and wellbeing.  The team's main work involves handling referrals and giving people access to opportunities and services which can help improve their health and wellbeing.

We are therefore very well placed to step up our current service in these difficult times to help people in our local community who are feeling more vulnerable.  We are delighted to be working in partnership with Voluntary Action Swindon and the Volunteer Centre Swindon to harness the good will of the people of Swindon to provide help where it is needed. Anyone in the Swindon community needing some non-medical help can call 01793 465513 or email lifewellhub@swindon.gov.uk so they can be put in touch with residents willing to help.”

Sue Dunmore, CEO of the Volunteer Centre Swindon states:

“The Volunteer Centre Swindon works hard to match people interested in volunteering with suitable opportunities and to ensure volunteering best practice is applied.  We are delighted to be part of this partnership.”