Guidelines for volunteers during the Coronavirus pandemic

Please follow these simple guidelines to help keep yourself and the person that you are helping safe:

• Ensure you keep yourself up to date and follow the current advice www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public.
• If you have a high temperature or a new continuous cough, or if anyone you live with has these symptoms then stay at home.
• If you and the people you live with are well, then you may wish to assist neighbours who are having to self-isolate.
• Do not enter the house if someone is self-isolating. Even if you are only trying to help, to do so will potentially put you at risk of becoming infected.
• If you are asked to collect shopping then it is best if you just buy the essentials, so you are only dealing with a small amount of money.
• If you are dropping off shopping or medication then you can knock on the door and leave it on the doorstep. If this is not possible then keep at least two metres (three steps) away from each other.
• Please ensure you keep wash your hands, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water before you leave your house and as soon as you get home. If soap and water are not available when you are out and you have some hand sanitiser then you can use this. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.
• If you offer to walk a dog, then if you have your own lead at home, you could consider using this to avoid handling another lead.
• If you are concerned about the resident that you are helping and you would like further advice on whether they need medical assistance then please use the NHS online service for further advice.
• Please don’t forget about safeguarding during this pandemic.
• This Safeguarding video for volunteers from WalthamForest Council explains some of the signs of abuse that you can look out for:

Talk to people who may be at risk, be vigilant and look out for the signs of abuse or neglect. More information can be found on our Safeguarding pages.

Please report adult abuse as soon as possible or phone 0300 500 80 80 to get advice or to report urgent safeguarding issues. Protecting those who cannot protect themselves is everyone’s responsibility.

Additional information is also available for volunteers who are taking part in our library book click and collect delivery scheme.