We have seen an outpouring of generosity and kindness in our communities during covid-19, from neighbours setting up mutual aid groups to businesses stepping in to support families going hungry during the school holidays.
Action Together had more people to register to volunteer than we have ever seen before, and they have been doing amazing things to support Oldham through the covid-19 pandemic ever since. We always need more volunteers, so have a read about the different ways people have been supporting the crisis response and consider registering to volunteer for Oldham.
COVID-19 Vaccination Support Volunteers
There are now a number of Vaccination Centres operating in Oldham, and more will be operational in the coming weeks. We have been asked if our Emergency Response Volunteers would be willing to support with the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme and we are now looking for more volunteers to join our team to help and support the 'pop up' vaccination sites across Oldham.
Click here for more information about some of the tasks volunteers may be asked to carry out, and details of the support our volunteers can expect to receive.
If you are interested in becoming involved, please register first then express an interest or if you have any questions please contact volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk
Once we hear from you, one of the team shall be in touch with details about your next steps.
Doorstep Engagement volunteers
This project has been paused during the national lockdown but will start again as soon as it is safe.
Every day across Oldham, volunteers, voluntary sector workers and redeployed Team Oldham staff have been knocking on doors to check how people are doing and make sure they understand how to keep safe during covid-19.
Doorstep Engagement volunteers have made a big impact in communities that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. A friendly face can make a huge difference for people who are worried, confused or unsure how to keep safe.
“People like to chat and having a couple minutes to listen to people can make someone’s day. Actually having human contact makes such a huge difference. My aim is to make people feel someone’s out there wanting to offer support and help, I love it when I get them to smile, I know when this happens I am making a difference.”
“I love walking and being outside, so this role is just perfect for me”
The Doorstep teams are often joined by NHS ‘swabbers’ who can do a test there and then if people have symptoms. Together the Doorstep Engagement and Testing Teams are controlling the virus in Oldham – street by street, house by house.
Volunteering with the Team is covid-secure, with PPE and training provided, and volunteers have enjoyed getting to know their local community and meet people. Jenny Harrison, local councillor and Doorstep Engagement volunteer, explains more in this video.
We need volunteers to help us reach more people – do you enjoy getting out and about to speak to people? Can you give your time to help us check in on each other and get covid-19 under control in Oldham?
Find out more by contacting volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk or register to volunteer here
Oldham Foodbank volunteers
In the past year, Oldham Foodbank has given out 8048 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. The foodbank a collaboration of local churches and community groups, all working together to stop hunger in Oldham.
During Covid, this support for local people by local people has never been more needed. Volunteers work in ‘bubbles’ to keep them as safe as possible whilst they pack and deliver vital supplies to local people.
“I have made friends with new people from different backgrounds. It has made sure I wasn’t bored and kept me mentally strong. The Oldham foodbank is something to be proud of and I am proud to be part of it. I have been given a large responsibility to work in the warehousing side. This another chapter in my life I will always remember as positive for me out of a dark negative that was covid. It is on a par with the Olympics and other things I’ve been involved in”
“I enjoyed the camaraderie of other volunteers – as a driver in the foodbank, I have discovered new areas of Oldham. Glad to have been useful in sorting & delivering food to those in need”
Oldham Foodbank is always looking for more volunteers. Available roles include picker and packers and delivery drivers – if you have time to give then please register to volunteer here
Future volunteering opportunities
Throughout the year there will be new opportunities to volunteer – from phoning up isolated people in the community to supporting mass testing and vaccination.
We will put new information about roles on this page, but you can also register to volunteer now and we will keep in touch via our volunteers eBulletin and closed ‘Emergency Response Volunteer’ Facebook page.
Once you sign up to volunteer, one of our team will be in touch to understand more about what you’re interested in, your availability and to make sure we match you into a role where you will be safe and happy.
If you’ve got any questions or want to find out more, you can email volunteering@actiontogether.org,uk or call us on 0161 339 2345