Supporting voluntary effort
We appreciate many residents want to volunteer to help those affected by the COVID-19 situation, in lots of different ways.
Community Champions
You can make a massive difference in a really simple way – by sharing coronavirus information and advice with your friends and family. Find out more about becoming a Community Champion.
NHS Volunteer Responders Programme
NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS and the care sector during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you are currently not supported and need some help with shopping, a prescription collection or a friendly chat then our NHS Volunteer Responders are ready to help. To check if you are eligible for this support please visit the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme.
Please note there is a temporary pause in the recruitment of NHS Volunteer Responders.
Setting up your own community group
If you have already set up a new network of community local volunteers, or are thinking about doing so, you can access information, advice and guidance on best practice by contacting CVS Bedfordshire through their website or by emailing info@cvsbeds.org.uk. The team there will direct you to appropriate resources, and will answer your questions about the best way to go about supporting your local community.
Getting involved in one of our existing Good Neighbour Schemes
These schemes provide residents with access to help and support, acting as a safety net and helping to lessen the impact if services and facilities are withdrawn. They can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and exclusion experienced by some who may need to be at home during the outbreak. To contact your local Good Neighbour Scheme or to set up a new scheme please contact BedsRCC on 01234 838771 or by email to info@bedsrcc.org.uk stating your geographic location and the type of help you can offer.
Mutual Aid groups
These groups help with shopping, collecting medication, phone calls and online support – please note that the types of support available from each group may be slightly different. Visit the CVS website to find a list of groups in your area.
Getting more help with your existing voluntary organisation
If you are an existing volunteer-involving organisation and need information, advice or guidance on managing your volunteer programme you can contact Community Voluntary Service (CVS) or Community Action: Bedfordshire.Tell them about your current volunteering opportunities and needs so that they can link you to offers of help from the public.
Joining our Emergency Response Volunteer Service
The Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team s are volunteers from local communities, trained and willing to respond to emergency incidents such as fires, flooding, disease outbreak, major transport disruption or a loss of utilities. For further information or to apply online visit Bedfordshire Prepared.
Bedfordshire Coronavirus Emergency Fund
With the situation in the news developing daily, Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation have launched the Bedfordshire Coronavirus Emergency Fund. This has been launched to help support the voluntary sector and people in local communities.
How to help safely
Limiting the spread of the virus in of paramount importance. The Government has produced some guidance on how to help others safely.
British Red Cross online training course for coronavirus volunteers
Whether you’re volunteering with a charity or lending a hand to a neighbour, this step by step guide tells you how to look after yourself and others.