Meet the volunteers helping people get their Covid-19 vaccines in Darlington

About 60 volunteers have been helping out at the Covid hub at Feethams House in Darlington, come rain, snow or ice.

More than 10,000 vaccinations have so far been administered since the programme started in January, with around 500 people getting jabs each day.

Yvonne Coates, who did her first shift in mid January, got involved after helping out at the drive-through flu vaccination programme, which was held at Darlington arena in the autumn.

She said: "I've done bits of volunteering before this really has been an experience.

"The majority of people we've been seeing have not been out since March so they are thrilled to be out.

"It's been really humbling. People have been so grateful. Nobody leaves without saying thank you."

Volunteer Yvonne Coates

There are always four volunteers on the site, which runs from 8am and 8pm, to help welcome people, show them where to go and offer support as people move through the centre if required.

Yvonne added: "It's important we're here because people are nervous about being out and some people need assistance.

"What we've noticed is when people come in they're a bit heavy on their legs. When they come out they have a spring in their step. You can actually see the difference.

"People are really enthusiastic. Lots of people come to check it out because they have an appointment the following day. No one is late and there aren't many people who don't turn up."

Darlington Cares has been organising the team of volunteers to assist Darlington Primary Care Network, which is rolling out the vaccine in the town and also has a team of drivers who are driving people to appointments if they cannot get there themselves.

Hairdresser Peter Lord, 47, whose business is shut because of lockdown, was part of the arrival team on Friday.

He said: "It's just nice to help people out. I've had a few people who didn't know what it was going to be like but when they've come out they are just thrilled.

"A lot of people have come down to see how it works and to do a recce before their appointment.

Jenn Hardy , 38, a civil servant who did her first shift on Friday, said: "I've been working from home for I felt like I needed to do something to help.

Jenn Hardy, who did her first shift at the hub on Friday

"It's been like a day out for some people. Some of the ladies had come in their best shoes and had their hair done. It's really humbling actually when you see the real people who have been affected by this.

"It's easy to forget there are people who haven't seen anyone in months. If we can spend 45 seconds having a chat with someone and it makes a difference then it's absolutely worth it."

The mum-of-two added: "It just feels like the least I can do. I'm not a medical professional so I can't contribute to that but I like people and meeting new people."

Amanda Riley, clinical lead for Darlington PCN said: "The support from the volunteers for our vaccine hub has been phenomenal.

"We have had so much positive feedback from patients and their families to say what a difference these people are making.

"Patients are often very nervous about attending and many are frail, having a friendly (though masked) face meet them and support them entering the hub has given them so much confidence and reassurance.

"These volunteers are outside all day, and the weather has not been kind through January. I have not heard one complaint about this form a volunteer, they are so focussed on what they can do to help.

"Every single person that has done a shift has been an absolute gem and being part of the whole team will have contributed to saving lives. I for one would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to them all."

Town businesses have also been supporting the efforts with donations of food, including Nandos, which has been giving volunteers free lunches every day.