NHS Volunteer Responders programme calls for more Steward Volunteers in the South West to get the jabs done

NHS Volunteer Responders are urgently calling for more Steward Volunteers in the South West to support at local vaccination sites where there is a high demand for volunteer help. 

This is one of the busiest and most crucial periods of the national vaccination programme. Over 50 million vaccines have already been delivered and work continues at pace to vaccinate all adults with 25-29 year olds recently added to the list. 

Requests for Steward Volunteers have soared in recent weeks and there are now over 2,000 shifts that need filling in sites across the country every day. 

The South West has seen a growing need for steward volunteers and the NHS is calling for help to get local people vaccinated over the summer, particularly in those areas of most vaccination need. 

Steward Volunteers support with the efficient and safe movement of patients through vaccination sites, ensuring that social distancing measures are in place and identifying people who require additional support. 

Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol and Harbourside Family Practice in Portishead are just some of the many sites looking for steward volunteers in the local area. 

People interested are being asked to go to www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk to sign up as a Steward Volunteer. Shifts usually last up to six hours with expenses covered. No experience or qualifications are required and a full briefing is provided on site.   

The NHS Steward Volunteers Volunteer Responders programme was set up by the NHS and is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM. Volunteers use a mobile phone app to choose what shifts they would like to do and when.