Go somewhere else: volunteering must be with a different organisation and cannot be making money or providing services for the furloughed employees organisation.
Keep it voluntary: As soon as someone is obliged to do something (such as training, or attending a particular scheme) this stops being voluntary and may jeopardise whether that person is considered furloughed.
Don't backfill with volunteeers: Backfilling staff roles with volunteers would be bad for exisiting staff morale as well as potentially making you liable for minimum wage costs.
Be creative: Approach employees or other charities to see of they can publicise your roles.
Thank you for offering to volunteer during these unprecedented times we are all finding ourselves in. The response so far in Northampton has been fantastic and is massively appreciated. We have created some guidelines to support you on your volunteer journey which you may find useful.
To read our befriending during COVID-19 Guidebook, click here.
This piece is written recognising that there are both formal and informal groups and individuals offering support to people in their community who are either self-isolating, have been advised to isolate or have difficulty getting out and about to get the things they need such as shopping and medicines.
View the Handling Money Safely Guidebook
If you wish to volunteer directly at Northampton General Hospital contact volunteer.services@ngh.nhs.uk or speak to a member of the team on 01604 523159.
If you wish to volunteer directly at Kettering General Hospital contact KGH-tr.volunteering@nhs.net
Sign up to the National NHS Volunteering Request at https://www.goodsamapp.org/
If you would like to volunteer in your local community hub to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic you can visit https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/volunteer-to-help-those-in-need-coronavirus.aspx or call the volunteer registration line 0300 126 1000 (option 5)
VIN is part of the Community Resilience Cell, which is a coordinated group of key stakeholders including local authorities and community organisations.
The Community Reserve Volunteers are nationally recruiting for Community Reserve Volunteers who are a network of people ready to help in an emergency, supporting their community by sharing public health messages, connecting with others safely and helping provide basic supplies.
During an emergency, they will help with practical tasks such as preparing kit and equipment, sorting and handing out supplies and making refreshments.
What we can offer
Volunteering in an emergency will give you the chance to:
Volunteers will need to sign up in advanced and must be 18 years or older. They will be contacted if there is a major incident in your local area and will not need any specialist skills as a quick training will be provide on the scene.
If you are thinking of setting up your own Mutual Aid Group then you can find valuable information here: https://www.mutual-aid.uk/news
Also There are several support groups on Facebook where people can request and offer support to people who are struggling through this period. Although we are not affiliated with these groups in anyway, and cannot guarantee or approve them, we have put a list together of groups we are aware of.
Visit: Abington covid-19 mutual aid
Contact: shout@communitycourtyard.org
Visit: Castle Northampton COVID support group
Contact: castlenorthampton@gmail.com
Visit: Cogenhoe Isolation Support
Visit: Duston Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group
Contact: elaine.stonehouse@nationwide.co.uk
Visit: East Hunsbury covid -19 Mutual Aid
Contact: scaswell@northamptonshire.gov.uk
Visit: East Northants COVID-19 Mutual Aid
Contact: eastnorthantscovid19aid@gmail.com
Visit: Far Cotton and Delapre Community Support Group
Contact: julie.davenport@ntlworld.com or 07715842947
Contact:parishclerk@grangeparkpc.org
Visit: Headlands Co-ordinator Helping Hands
Contact: dippy1@live.co.uk
Contact: mutualaidlinksview@outlook.com
Visit: Park Northampton COVID-19 mutual Aid
Contact: parknptncovid@hotmail.com
Visit: Spring Park Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group
Contact: springparknn2@gmail.com
Visit: Kingsthorpe Coronavirus Support
Contact: c.emery1997@gmail.com
Visit: St crispins COVD-19 support
Contact: Griffithzara@btinternet.com
Visit: Community Mutual Aid – St James Helpers
Contact: mutualaidstJames@gmail.com
Visit: Upton Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group
Contact: Hayleylodge@hotmail.com
Visit: Westone Covid-19 community support
Contact: charleeandjacob@hotmail.co.uk
Visit: Facebook Group or https://www.wootton-covid.co.uk
Contact: woottoncovid@outlook.com
Visit: Blisworth CRRG
Visit: Brixworth Covid 19 Help
Visit: Brampton Help
Visit: Earls Barton Is Kind Coronavirus Response Group
Contact: EBIKCRG@gmail.com
Contact: sarahwhitlock1000@gmail.com 07568470077 or avnishkthakrar@hotmail.com 07824643221
Contact: info@moultonparishcouncil.org.uk
Visit: Raunds Area Volunteers
Contact: Raundsvolunteers@gmail.com
Visit: Covid-19 Mutual Aid – Wellingborough
Contact: sam@sammcnern.com
If you are looking to establish a support group and live in a classified rural area of Northamptonshire you can contact NorthantsAcre for support and advice: Please click here to read more.