MP's support for NHS volunteers

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has urged constituents to sign up to become NHS volunteers.

The NHS is “rallying the troops” for the war on coronavirus, with volunteers being called up to help vulnerable people stay safe and well at home.

The nation is looking for up to 250,000 volunteers to help up to 1.5 million people who have been asked to shield themselves from coronavirus because of underlying health conditions.

Mr McMahon said: “There are so many ways that you can help out at the moment, volunteering doesn’t just mean being on the front line.

"There are four different ways that we can do our bit to help our NHS at this time through volunteering.

“You can be a Community Response Volunteer and collect and deliver essential supplies and medications for those who are self-isolating, a Patient Transport Volunteer and take those who are well enough to go home to ensure they settle safely, an NHS Transport Volunteer where you could be moving equipment, supplies or medication between NHS services and sites, or you can become a Check-in and Chat volunteer where you’d provide telephone support to those who are at risk of loneliness because they’re self-isolating.

“Coupled with following all the advice and guidance volunteering like this is a great way to reduce the strain on our NHS so that they can do their bit, so let’s come together in the spirit of co-operation.

“We can’t forget our mental health at a time like this and even just being there on the phone to talk to someone and make sure they’re doing alright at this difficult time could have a massive impact on both of you.

“This volunteering scheme is open to over 18’s as long as they’re fit, healthy and showing no symptoms of COVID-19, and the NHS is making sure that your safety isn’t compromised because the majority of these tasks can be done whilst following social distancing guidance.

“You can sign up to volunteer at www.goodsamapp.org/nhs, and don’t forget to follow the advice from the NHS: stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”

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