TCV volunteers and coronavirus

TCV’s volunteering activities are starting to resume again, dependent on local circumstances and COVID-19 guidance. Find your local office here to see what sessions are currently running.

We know that TCV volunteers may want to help their communities. Here’s how you can volunteer to help and support others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteering and coronavirus – how can you help?

Here’s how you can volunteer to help and support others during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.

Look out for your neighbours

The simplest thing everyone can do right now is look out for their neighbours and offer help with shopping and other errands.

Other people in the community who might also appreciate help are:

stretched medical staff and volunteers
staff and volunteers in key worker roles
supermarket workers
delivery drivers.

Stay safe when supporting others

Keep washing your hands often for 20 seconds.
Stay at least two metres – about three steps – away from people you’re helping.
If you’re trying to help someone with very serious issues – don’t be afraid to flag with appropriate statutory services.
Support family, friends and neighbours by phone or video call.
Offer to run errands for people but stay outside of people’s homes.
Let family and friends know what you’re doing.
Don’t take on too much – it’s often better not to offer at all than to let someone down.

Volunteer with organisations providing support

Charities are working with the government and local authorities to create ways for people to get involved.

Here are a few suggestions:

If you don’t have a particular charity you want to support in your local area, contact your local Volunteer Centre, search online for your area’s CVS, or visit the Do-it website. They can help you find out where your help is most urgently needed.
You can sign up to NHS Volunteer Responders who are supporting the NHS during the covid-19 outbreak. This is to support the 1.5m people in England at most risk from the virus to stay well. Once you’ve registered and checks are complete – you’ll be provided a log-in to the GoodSAM Responder app. Switch the app to ‘on duty’ and you’ll see live and local volunteer tasks to pick from near you.

Support for volunteers

We also know that some TCV volunteers might need help or support themselves. There are many organisations that can provide advice or support at this time. The list below gives the phone numbers and websites of the organisations that may be able to provide you with the help you need.

Domestic violence issues and concerns

If you or anyone you know requires advice and assistance about Domestic Abuse you can contact the organisations below

women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support
men can call Men’s Life Advice on 0808 8010 327 (Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm) for non-judgemental information and support

Advice about benefits, housing & employment

If you require information and advice about benefits, housing or employment contact the citizens advice bureau. They also have specific advice concerning these issues and Coronavirus