Volunteers are needed to assist vulnerable people in Kingston affected by the continued Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.

Volunteering Kingston is looking for people to help with shopping and medicine collection duties on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council.

If you are currently on furlough or have some time out of your day to spare, you can support your local community by providing essential supplies to those who are isolating.

Some residents also require support following the illness and the hope is that this programme will give them time to recover so that they can become independent enough to shop for themselves.

The Council ensures that these voluntary roles are safe and supported, with advice and training readily provided. They also stress that this is a doorstep service and therefore does not require volunteers to enter the homes of people they are shopping for.

Volunteering Kingston stipulates that volunteers should be over 18 years old, healthy and fit enough to carry shopping.

Volunteers can choose to complete their tasks on foot, cycling or by car. Travel expenses will not be covered, so it is suggested that volunteers pick up these additional items during their weekly shop.

Volunteers must have internet access to receive email communications and send pictures of receipts. A current DBS check is also preferred but can be obtained if necessary.

The time commitment is flexible to fit around volunteers' schedules and changing circumstances, with a minimum of one shop per week between 9am-5pm.

Through this service, you can make a huge difference to those affected by Covid who do not have the support of friends and family in such tough times.

Applications are open 1st January - 30th June 2021 and applicants will be shortlisted.

To apply or to hear more information about the role, please contact Martel at Kingston Council via email [email protected].