Call for more vaccine volunteers to come forward in Walsall
More people are being urged to give up their time and help the fight against Covid as Walsall prepares to ramp up its vaccine programme.
A new vaccination site at the old TJ Hughes store in the Saddlers Centre is set to go live in the coming weeks and, at full capacity, will see 3,600 people given their jabs per day.
But, as well as medical staff, the centre will need around 100 volunteers performing a range of duties to help it run smoothly.
Councillors from all political parties and across the borough have been volunteering their services throughout and are now encouraging those who are able to help to give up some of their free time.
Volunteers are prioritised to receive the vaccine to help protect them as they carry out their duties.
Roles for them can include directing traffic, meeting and greeting people at the centres, helping people fill out forms and keeping an eye on them in the minutes after they’ve had their jab.
Aldridge councillor Tim Wilson, who is also the portfolio holder for children’s services, has been volunteering at Oak Park Leisure Centre in Walsall Wood.
He said: “The reason I volunteer is because I think, if you can you should. I understand not everyone can because of health or other reasons so it’s not for everybody.
“But I think if you can commit some hours then I’m a true believer that every little helps and I know that there is an amazing amount of work done at all the vaccine centres.
“When I was at Oak Park one of the days last week, there were 1,430 vaccines done in one day. The time I was there before, there were 1,181.
“There is a vast team of people there, from the volunteers to the nurses and thanks to all of them, it is a finely tuned machine delivering excellent results."
Councillor Wilson chose to be outside directing people to parking spots and where to go in the building.
He added: “First week I did it, it rained and the second week it was absolutely freezing. I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold but it needed doing and it’s also about relieving other people.
“Volunteering must fit in with your lifestyle. It’s about being organised – so I fit it in running my two businesses, my council casework and being cabinet member.
“But there are other councillors who are volunteers across the borough and there is a great deal of satisfaction in giving something back.
“People who turn up are happy to be getting the vaccine and they are all pleasant and it’s nice to see and be a part of the effort.”
Walsall Labour group leader Aftab Nawaz said he and others including Walsall Mayor and Mayoress Paul and Christine Bott will be helping out at the TJ Hughes centre.
“It is important we are part of the help that’s out there. A lot of councillors, cross party have gone out and worked with their communities and are part of the efforts.
“Whether this be food banks, Walsall Outreach, phoning people up who are alone and doing as much as we can in the restrictions we’ve got.
“It is important that those of us who can – and I’m not critical of those that can’t volunteer because of their health of other reasons – should get out there and show the public it is safe to volunteer.
“It all helps in this fight against the pandemic that has devastated our communities. The mental health tragedy for all of this is huge and I don’t think we have seen the full extent of that.”
And Councillor Adam Hicken will also be volunteering at the new TJ Hughes site and urged people to help.
He said: “With millions of people having been infected, and over one hundred thousand tragically losing their lives, it is vital that everyone plays their part.
"Many are doing a wonderful job of protecting others by simply staying at home and keeping to the lockdown rules.
“Those who are able to do even more, have an opportunity to help us get control over this virus and protect the most vulnerable in society.
“That is why I am volunteering to help with the vaccine roll out here in Walsall.
“Each vaccine delivered is a shot in the arm for our country, and a step closer in getting things back to normal.
“By assisting as a volunteer, people can relieve some of the pressure on our fantastic NHS staff and help support people in getting protected.
“Together, we can all play our own small part in recovering from this pandemic and bringing life back to normal for millions of people.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can email volunteering@onewalsall.org.
