NHS Vounteering in Chigwell finally become a rewarding experience

Image of part of the Good sam App which reveals some of the restrictions volunteers can add to their volunteer experience.

By Wilson Chowdhry

As an NHS volunteer, I have had a very difficult start to volunteering via the GoodSam App. The app was initially very difficult to follow, and then once I understood how to operate it, I received no notifications for the first month.

Suddenly, over the last three weeks however, the app became very busy with alerts. But to my chagrin and disappointment, the app only sent me contact details for clients who had already been helped or for some other reason did not need any help.

I persisted with the app, though articles in newspapers across the country spoke of the large wave of applicants who were leaving the volunteer programme.

I am glad I did now, as two days ago I was able to report a safeguarding concern regarding a +70's client who had fallen from a ladder after trapping her leg. Moreover, yesterday I was able to do some shopping for another very grateful +70's resident of Chigwell who needed some small shopping done. Today, one other local resident has informed me of a prescription that they need collected from a local pharmacy, and I have offered to call back on Friday to help with that.

I may not be able to carry on supporting those self-isolating beyond July, but till then I hope to be able to continue to serve as many vulnerable in our community, as they try to survive the COVID-19 virus that has brought our world to a literal standstill.

What has amazed me during the government lockdown is the courageous nature of so many people who have continued to volunteer, despite the risk to themselves. Many who have returned to work continue to support the charities, groups and individuals they helped from the outset of the lockdown, albeit on a much reduced basis.

For those of you who may have been perturbed by the reports of failures with the GoodSam App used for NHS volunteering, let me help you put your fears away. The App is now working and volunteer opportunities are arising. You can fit your volunteer hours around your requirements as the app has a switch on and off facility and there are a range of differing volunteer opportunities.

The COVID-19 lockdown has been a testing time for all of us, but what stories will you share with future generations? The GoodSAM app led NHS volunteering scheme, is one good way to ensure you can describe an active role in the healing of our nation.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Community Unites in Mourning and Tribute as Murder Trial Looms for Slain Youth Daniel Anjorin

Image
Police maintain a presence on the road as flowers and other tributes continue to be left at the corner of Laing Road and New North Road . Today, the somber police cordon along New North Road has been lifted, allowing members of the community to gather and set up a shrine in memory of the tragically slain youth, Daniel Anjorin. Local residents, deeply affected by the loss, have left floral tributes and plush toys at the site to commemorate the life of the beloved teenager. Daniel Anjorin RIP Daniel Anjorin, a 14-year-old teenager, was brutally killed in an appalling attack on Tuesday, April 30th, by Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, of Newham, a Spanish/Brazilian man armed with a short sword. Disturbing videos circulating on social media depict the harrowing assault, demonstrating the perpetrator's intent to harm innocent individuals. Despite the courageous efforts of law enforcement, four individuals fell victim to the attacker's violence before he was apprehended.  Read more (here...
Read more

Justice Unveiled: Preliminary Proceedings in the Hainault Sword Attack Trial

Image
During a brief preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey concerning the tragic 5-person sword attack in Hainault resulting in the death of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, it was decided that a full trial would convene on February 3, 2025. Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, the defendant, was escorted into the courtroom by a police officer and court official, appearing aloof and distant behind a partition of glass. In a peculiar moment, he fixed a menacing gaze upon me for approximately two minutes, a futile attempt at intimidation given his confined circumstances. The prosecution outlined the case, detailing the attack on 5 individuals, which began with a collision with an unidentified person and escalated to the wielding of a sword. When confronted by the victim, Mr. Monzo callously retorted, 'I don't care, I'll kill you anyway,' before assaulting him. Upon the victim's escape, Mr. Monzo turned his violence towards Daniel Anjorin, striking him on the head and neck with such for...
Read more

Multiple Victims Stabbed by Sword-Wielding Attacker Following Van Crash into Hainault Residence

Image
Police have now secured a cordon around crime scene. In a swift response to a critical incident, emergency services sprang into action at Hainault Tube station. Here's a rundown of the key moments: At 9:01 am, reports emerged of a stabbing incident in Hainault, Redbridge, resulting in injuries to four individuals. The unsettling event unfolded at Hainault Tube station in Redbridge, Essex. Social media footage depicted a man clad in a yellow hooded jacket brandishing a sizable blade, drawing the attention of law enforcement. Eyewitnesses recounted a chaotic scene, with one individual describing a man wielding what appeared to be a samurai sword, allegedly initiating the attack after crashing his van into a nearby residence. The coordinated efforts of emergency responders underscored their dedication to swiftly addressing the crises and maintaining public safety,  CAUTION: The video below contains graphic scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised. The...
Read more