Volunteers
About
Since starting the COVID-19 vaccination programme back in December 2021, the success and smooth running of our clinics has been down to the immense commitment and fantastic support of our wonderful family of volunteers and thanks to the great support we’ve had from Bolton CVS, who co-ordinated this for us.
In July 2021 we took the bold step to directly co-ordinate our Volunteer Site Stewards and recruited our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Emily, to do this.
This was an important step for us as we are committed to becoming a ‘volunteering organisation’ that pledges to promote, encourage and value volunteering and volunteers in Bolton.
We will continue to work with CVS to ensure that the volunteer recruitment processes and policies we develop are fair and so we, and our volunteers, can access the fantastic training and advice they offer.
Hi! I’m Emily, our volunteer co-ordinator
I started with the GP Federation in June to help co-ordinate the Volunteer Site Stewards.
I’m finding this role really rewarding and I’m loving getting to know the volunteers. I’ve already been blown away by how friendly and helpful everyone is. People are so generous with dedicating their own time to helping at our clinics and I can really sense that they enjoy volunteering with us.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our volunteers and are unsure or have any questions, please get in touch with me.
Why volunteer for us?
Volunteering in our clinics is fun, fast-paced and very rewarding. We support our volunteers as much as we can, and offer:
- Flexible shifts in flexible locations to suit you and your availability
- Lunch and refreshments
- Reimbursement of parking costs incurred
- Training and development opportunities for those who are interested
- References for job applications
- Volunteering placements to students requiring them
- Free DBS checks if needed
- Pathways into paid employments
Our vision and values
Our mission is to improve health and care. We meet everyday health and care needs for people by connecting primary care systems and using creative thinking to develop, improve and support great local services.
We are:
- Trustworthy
- Collaborative
- Supportive
- Sustainable
What our volunteers say
It has been a great experience and thanks for the opportunity.
I have enjoyed the volunteer experience and have not found it difficult.
I am receiving clear, regular notifications from the volunteer co-ordinator.
It is lovely when we are thanked at the end of the shift.
I’m really happy to support my community at this time and working along with the GP Federation.
More information
A message from Michael Smith, our Chief Officer
When you look at any vaccination site up and down the country, it’s always the friendly face of the volunteer that you see first. Thanks to our partnership with Bolton CVS and the friendly, giving nature of Boltonions, we have more than 100 volunteers, who are a key part of our team. They turn up whatever the weather, all hours of the day, evenings and weekends. When you visit any of our vaccination sites, whether it’s at the bus or in one of our clinics, you see and feel the friendliness they provide.
So when we were asked to step up the surge vaccine programme during May/June, with a target to vaccinate 15,000 people in a week, we knew 100% that we could rely on our volunteers and the people of Bolton to make it work.
Almost immediately, there was an immense coming together of people – offers of help from all over Bolton. Our traditional volunteers instantly stood by their beds, ready and eager to be called upon. On top of this, colleagues from Bolton Council, Bolton Hospital and the CCG instantly came forward, giving no thought to the fact that they’d need to give up their weekend, to do what needed to be done to get as many people vaccinated, as quickly and as safely as possible.
Then came along another army of volunteers – St John Ambulance. Over 40 people from right across the North West descended on Bolton last weekend and have continued to support us throughout this week. These are people with day jobs – teachers, hospitality workers, managers – they all gave up their time, for no pay, to vaccinate people.
We’ve even had deliveries of cakes, pasties, drinks and other treats from local businesses and residents, all wanting to give something to the effort, helping to keep everyone’s energy levels and spirits up.
Many people have told us how emotional this experience has been for them. People want to help people, do their bit to help protect lives and to get back to some normality, and we couldn’t do any of this without them.
Volunteer site steward application form
Thank you for taking an interest in volunteering with us at our COVID vaccination clinics.