Thank you to every single volunteer

This week (June 1 – 7) celebrates the tremendous work of volunteers across the UK, and there has never been a better time for Buckinghamshire to give its thanks to these remarkable people.

Volunteers have played an essential role within the Buckinghamshire community over the last year. At the start of the pandemic and throughout lockdowns they gave their support to help some of the most vulnerable people in society – the elderly, infirm and people living with medical conditions or in other very difficult circumstances. In desperate times they offered a lifeline to those most in need, whether by delivering essential supplies or medication, transporting people to medical appointments, offering a friendly voice over the phone, or in any number of other ways.

And they have played a vital part in the vaccination rollout since it began in December.

Without their invaluable help, it is impossible to imagine the rollout being the great success it has been.  Volunteers have made a huge contribution, from the set up and day-to-day running of the vaccination sites, marshalling traffic, transporting patients, guiding them through the actual process of getting their jabs, and much more; the rollout simply would not have been the great success it is without them.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “From the start of the pandemic right through to the ongoing vaccination rollout, the way volunteers have stepped up to lend their support has been astounding.

“The community spirit we have seen from so many people has been truly humbling, and we would like to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to every single person who has volunteered to help others in Buckinghamshire over the last year. Every day these wonderfully selfless people have made a huge difference in the lives of so many of our residents.”

Dr Raj Bajwa, Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is hard to overestimate just how incredibly important volunteers have been across the entire county over the last year. We would like to add our thanks to every single person who has volunteered to help the vulnerable or to give essential support to the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

“Their work has been absolutely key to the enormous success of the vaccination programme and the entire county owes a debt of gratitude to these selfless, dedicated people.”

Anyone over the age of 30 can now book their COVID-19 vaccination via the online booking system or by calling 119.

Local updates about vaccines and clinics can be found here on the Bucks CCG updates page