Volunteering support to organisations
Lots of enquiries about volunteering and how to contribute during the covid-19 crisis have been received. Some organisations might have to stop their volunteering activities but there will probably be a lot of organisations that will have a bigger demand from service users and therefore need of additional volunteers.
If your organisation is looking for volunteers that could support your service users and vulnerable Islington residents during the coronavirus crisis go to the Volunteer Centre Islington webpage, follow the instructions and register your opportunities.
If you are aware of potential volunteers willing to help residents in Islington, please signpost them to the Volunteer Centre Islington online portal.
Please check the updated guidance on how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic. from GOV.UK: Guidance on volunteering during the national lockdown in England
Staying safe whilst volunteering:
Please share this information with your volunteers
- Read the Camden & Islington Public Health checklist to help prevent further spread of the infection whilst volunteering.
- Check you are following the most recent guidelines from the NHS when undertaking activities that might put you or others at risk.
- Staying safe when looking for others (NCVO)
- When to use a mask and how (WHO)
- Find more information from NCVO about volunteering under the “stay at home” rules.
- North Tyneside VODA: staying safe whilst volunteering video.
Safeguarding:
- Where to report safeguarding concerns whilst volunteering (LBI).
- GOV.UK: Safeguarding and DBS Factsheet: FAQs. Advice for those organising a community volunteer group, and for individuals wanting to assist those in their local community.
- DBS checks Islington organisations: Please send an email to marta.aparicio@vai.org.uk for ruther information.
- GOV.UK: COVID-19: Changes to DBS ID checking guidelines
- North Tyneside VODA: brief introduction to safeguarding video.
More guidance and resources:
- Islington council: Key worker letter template for VCS organisations that may want to provide staff and volunteers who are working in the community with a letter in case they are challenged by the authorities, as proof of their critical worker role. Please ensure the letter is signed and on headed paper if possible.
- NCVO: Are volunteers on lockdown
For further information please contact marta.aparicio@vai.org.uk
Please note this is a work in progress – more information and resources will be added very soon!
