Volunteer - what you can do to help
We know there's lots of great work taking place in our communities across the county to support the vulnerable and at risk.
We've set up our new Volunteer Unit to match the needs of charities and local organisations with the support that local businesses can provide.
If you're in need of support, for example you need staff, specialist equipment, premises, vehicles, essential skills, such as IT or Communications and Marketing, or if you're a business who wants to help, see our Volunteer Unit for more information.
Volunteer in your community
Look out for your family, friends and neighbours
The simplest thing you can do right now is look out for your neighbours and offer help with shopping and other errands. It's not just about neighbours who are self-isolating or potentially vulnerable, other people in the community who might also appreciate help such as:
- medical staff and other volunteers
- staff in key worker roles
- supermarket workers
- delivery drivers
- front line council staff
We are likely to be in this unusual situation for a number of months - see Be a good neighbour during lockdown for more information on how you can help the people around you.
Food deliveries
See our how to get food if you're self-isolating page which includes information about shopping cards (a simple, contact-free way of providing money to anyone shopping for you), priority home deliveries and links to those supermarkets providing food boxes.
Groups
If you're part of a group that's providing help and support in your community, please let us know so that we can advertise it to those who need it. Register on our online form and we will add the services you're offering to Locate - our online support directory.
Alternatively you can contact us by phone - between 9.00am until 5.00pm weekdays and 10.00am until to 3.00pm on weekends.
Individuals
If you're not part of a group, but would like to volunteer, you can:
- Visit Locate - our online support directory, and contact the organisations directly to offer your time.
- Register as a volunteer with the NHS.
Important information for all volunteers
Please remember that although it is vital that people volunteer their time and skills, they also need to stay safe and should follow a few simple guidelines:
- let family and friends know what you're doing
- keep in touch via phone, video call or social media
- stay at least two metres (about three steps) away from people you're helping
- offer to run errands for people but stay outside of their homes
- keep washing your hands often
- don't take on too much - it may be better not to offer at all than to let someone down
- if you're trying to help someone with very serious issues please draw it to the attention of the appropriate services or support
- where possible, work with a recognised volunteer organisation who can provide you support
- County Durham Together Community Hub
- County Durham Together Community Hub
- 03000 260 260
