Praise for thousands of volunteers who are supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Leicestershire

Thousands of volunteers supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are being saluted by NHS bosses.

Caroline Trevithick, deputy chief executive of the LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups, has paid tribute in a video message to mark National Volunteers Week.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who’ve taken part in our vaccination programme.

“Without you we wouldn’t have reached where we are today, with almost a million vaccines given across LLR.

“You’ve come out in all weathers to stand in car parks and to make the public feel that they are really cared for when they come into our vaccination centres,” she said.

“Thank you for what you have done and are what you are continuing to do.”

The CCGs have received a lot of feedback about how the volunteers have made people feel comfortable and confident about the vaccination.

“The smile and enthusiasm of volunteers has provided a welcome to vaccination sites, particularly in the early days when for many people it was their first trip outdoors in some time.

“We do still need more volunteers as the vaccination programme steps up the pace, with six new centres opening up last week in Leicester City,” said the NHS.

“We are looking for volunteers who will act as greeters, stewards and chaperones for patients who are arriving to receive their vaccinations. “The volunteers are being recruited by Voluntary Action Leicester, who have so far mobilised over 2,500 volunteers across 29 vaccination sites and filled 11,000 shifts.”

If you are interested in volunteering to support the NHS you can find out more at https://volunteer.valonline.org.uk/