Page 16 - Oundle Life December 2020

VOLUNTEER ACTION
We would like to begin by thanking all our volunteers who have stuck with us or joined us during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of their commitment, we have been able to provide services throughout the crisis. Early in 2020, we were running a Community Car Scheme, taking members on all sorts
of journeys from medical appointments to more enjoyable shopping trips, hairdresser appointments and meetings with friends/relatives. While many journeys became impossible due to lockdown at
the end of March, we have continued to take medical drives throughout.
An added complication was the fact
that many of our Volunteer Drivers
are themselves over 70, which meant
they were required to stay at home,
and we were working with a much reduced, but stalwart, band of willing drivers. Things are coming back to something more like normal and we have managed to recruit some new
Volunteer Drivers. We are now driving for all health-related reasons (including dentists, opticians, etc.).
The lockdown also forced us to re-evaluate our members’ needs and we quickly set up a prescription delivery service and a shopping service for those unable to access online shopping or other shopping help.
VA also runs a Befriending Service, where volunteers visit lonely and isolated members of the community for companionship on a regular basis. Lockdown put a temporary end to those visits, but the Befriending Partnerships have been maintained through telephone support.
In addition, we identified the need for more member support and set up a Friend-on-the- Phone service to provide a point of contact for any member in need. This was manned by Drivers, Befrienders and new volunteers from the local community. 150 people signed up for the service and many calls are still continuing today. Great friendships have been made!
The lockdown also forced us to re-evaluate our members’ needs
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments from a tranquil setting in East Northamptonshire
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments ◆ Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels ◆ IV Vitamin Therapy Medical Grade Skincare ◆ Profhilo
07930 921962 • 01832 273787 info@oundleaesthetics.co.uk
www.oundleaesthetics.co.uk
If you need help or can offer help, please get in touch with Volunteer Action on 01832 275433, admin@volunteeractionoundle.org. uk or look at www.volunteeractionoundle. org.uk. Membership of all schemes is free. You can also donate on the website or send a cheque to our Fletton House address. www.oakdaletrust.org.uk
16