What volunteers can do:
Local volunteers can assist with:
Shopping
Dog walking
Collecting prescriptions
Taking things to/collecting items from post offices
Any other local errands that can be conducted over the doorstep
What volunteers cannot do:
Enter the homes or cars of vulnerable people
Provide personal care
Handle personal or valuable items
Handle bank cards or PIN numbers
Advice to volunteers:
Do not enter people’s homes or cars
Abuse of vulnerable people will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police
Always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back
Keep a mobile phone on you at all times
Do not share personal details of beneficiaries or other volunteers
Be prepared to show ID to the beneficiary if requested
Do not take or share photos of beneficiaries or other volunteers without permission – Follow GDPR rules regarding personal data
Don’t over commit yourself – it’s better to help a little and often then a lot but only once
If at any point you develop symptoms or think you may have been in contact with someone who has, then isolate yourself
Advice to beneficiaries:
Volunteers do not expect payment for their time – you should only pay for shopping or other expenses you would normally cover, if you wish to show your appreciation you could consider a donation to a local charity
Do not invite volunteers into your property – shopping and other goods must be left on the doorstep to avoid infection
If a volunteer is walking your dog, then you should provide poo bags and other essentials. If necessary, muzzle your dog before the volunteer arrives
Abuse of volunteers, verbal, racial, sexual or otherwise, will not be tolerated and will result in the withdrawal of help. It will also be reported to the police
If you feel that a volunteer is behaving in an unacceptable manner, then please report it immediately to swanageneighbours@gmail.com
General infection control advice:
Follow all WHO advice regarding infection control. Wash your hands regularly. There should be no direct physical contact between volunteers and beneficiaries
Volunteers should wash their hands before and after every contact with a beneficiary
Shopping must be left at the front door – cash can be left in an envelope to avoid contact
If at any point you or a member of your household develop symptoms or you think you may have been in contact with someone suffering from COVID-19, then you should self isolate
When handling dog leads, wear gloves. Disposable gloves are ideal and should be discarded after use. If not possible then wear reusable gloves and wash immediately after use
Swanage Community Coronavirus Response is an informal group of local volunteers, who are joining together for the benefit of all. Beneficiaries should be aware that volunteers are not DBS checked and have no medical or specialist training.
All volunteers are simply kind, community-minded individuals who want to help out their neighbours at this time of crisis.
The admins and organisers accept no liability or responsibility for damage or loss of property, infection or other issues resulting from contact between volunteers and beneficiaries.
