Coronavirus crisis – volunteer in your community

Harborough District Council has teamed up with VASL (Voluntary Action South Leicestershire), and other voluntary sector partners, to help mobilise the hundreds of people who want to help out.

Volunteers can sign up online at https://vasl.org.uk/news/volunteer-your-time-in-your-community-with-vasl/ 

They will be able to offer help with tasks such as shopping, dog walking, posting mail or collecting prescriptions – for anyone unable to get out and about because of the outbreak – or be a friendly voice at the end of the phone to an elderly or vulnerable resident.

Councillor Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We have already seen a fantastic response locally with people looking out for their neighbours; but we know there are lots of people who want to help in these unprecedented times so we want to make this possible.”

Those wishing to help out will be allocated a suitable task. The health and safety of volunteers, and of those who could be in contact with them, will be of paramount importance to the scheme’s organisers.

Maureen O’Malley, Charity Manager at VASL, said: “We know from calls we have already received that there are people across the district who want to volunteer to help others and this website will give them the opportunity to do so. Our mission is to improve the lives of people, and in these difficult times we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the Harborough District Council.”

Anyone unable to register online can call VASL on 01858 433232 or email admin@vasl.org.uk