Slough’s Mayor has praised the hard work of a volunteer army who are keeping the town’s Covid-19 vaccination centres going this Christmas.
Cllr Mohammed Nazir, the Mayor of Slough, turned up to volunteer himself at Salt Hill Activity Centre on Wednesday (December 22), where hundreds of jabs are being given out every day.
The mayor became a #OneSlough “High Viz Hero” for the afternoon, joining up to 42 volunteers at the site who provide stewarding duties so people can get their jabs as swiftly and as safely as possible.
And Cllr Nazir called on more people to become volunteers at the town’s two main sites to help the community protect itself against coronavirus.
He said: “Without the volunteers we would be really stuck. They have done some tremendous work here and continue to do so.
“It’s even more important now that we have to ramp things up for the booster jab. Volunteers have responded to calls for further help but we could always do with more.”
Volunteers are needed from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and shifts are available at two, four and six hours. Sign up now: https://oneslough.org.uk/volunteer/
Slough Council for Voluntary Service (Slough CVS) manages the “High Viz Heroes.” Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer, including at both Salt Hill Activity Centre and Langley Health Centre.
Slough CVS’ Chairman Jamie Green, who is the #OneSlough operations manager for the NHS, Slough Borough Council and the voluntary sector, said:
“We are always looking for more volunteers and into the New Year there will be a lot fewer people available.
“So I’d say come and have a go, even if it’s just for a shift of two hours, it’s really helpful to us.”
One “High Viz Hero” is Mohan Singh Grewal, 66, from Langley, who’s been at the Salt Hill site since March, 2021. He volunteers for two days a week.
He said: “It gives me something to get up for, and you learn something new from people everyday.
“People are so nice and around town they sometimes recognise you and you feel you have done something good for the community.”
Site manager and nurse, Katie Root, runs Salt Hill alongside colleague April Kiss, a paramedic.
Katie said: “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers. They are amazing.
“They’re always friendly, professional and ready to help.”
She added: “It’s a friendly atmosphere here and that’s why volunteers come back.
“I’d say to anyone thinking about volunteering, please don’t hesitate. Any time you can give us is appreciated.”