The team behind the huge drive to vaccinate the East Riding’s most vulnerable residents have thanked volunteers for responding to an urgent plea to meet and greet patients.

More than 750 people have volunteered to help patients feel at ease and direct them as they arrive and leave their vaccination appointments.

HEY Smile Foundation is working with NHS East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership to coordinate the volunteer effort.

About 150 volunteers have already gone through the induction process, and have either completed or are about to complete their first session at one of the community’s seven vaccination hubs.

The positive response comes after an appeal for volunteers on social media and, while many remain on the waiting list for induction based on demand in certain areas, the team is encouraging people to keep the opportunity in mind to ensure momentum continues over the next eight to 10 months.

Russell Wenn, Assistant Director of Planning and Performance Delivery at NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG, said: “Volunteers are critical in rolling out the vaccine to our most vulnerable residents and I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward so far.

“The vaccination programme is progressing very well and will continue for several months. The volunteers are helping that process to run smoothly by being a listening ear, a friendly face and a knowledgeable point of contact to guide patients in the right direction when they arrive for their appointments.

“While we’ve had a fantastic response to our appeal for people to offer their time, we encourage anyone else who is interested in volunteering to come forward and register their interest so we can continue to make this the best experience possible for local people.”

The vaccination hubs are located in Beverley, Bridlington, Brough, Driffield, Goole, Hedon and Willerby.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one four-hour session per week and some marshalling will be required outside.

A 30-minute online training session will be arranged and delivered by HEY Smile Foundation before volunteers are allocated their sessions and teams.

Volunteers receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a high visibility vest and HEY Smile Foundation will cover expenses for travel to and from their dedicated hub and parking. Refreshments will also be provided.

Andy Barber, HEY Smile Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The response to our recent appeal for volunteers has been amazing and we’d like to thank everyone who has offered their time to play their part in this huge effort.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring together so many enthusiastic, compassionate and willing volunteers who all want to make a difference and support the hard work and determination of NHS staff. The is certainly a marathon, not a sprint.

“I can’t stress enough how important the volunteers are in this effort. They are key workers in their roles and are vital role to help ensure the vaccination appointment process runs smoothly, supporting as many vulnerable people as possible.”

Vicki Pellatt and her daughter, Chloe, from Bilton, are among those who have volunteered and have completed two sessions at the Covid vaccination hub at Church View Surgery in Hedon.

Vicki said: “It feels great to be involved in getting this pandemic under control and helping our most vulnerable people feel safe. 

“I had an overwhelming feeling of pride and determination while we were there. The staff are lovely, as are the patients, and they have a great system in place. They’re working so hard and we felt part of the team within minutes.

“I would recommend this type of volunteering to everybody. Nobody thought we’d be in this situation and it’s everybody’s problem. Through volunteering, we can see the vaccine being rolled out and we feel there is an end to the pandemic, so it’s really positive.”

Chloe said: “This is something I’ll always remember and I love meeting people, so it’s nice to be able to do that safely. I work at a theatre, which is closed due to the restrictions, and it’s great to feel like I’m doing a job again while making a difference.”

To register your interest in becoming a volunteer, visit click here. 

Click here for further information about the role.