News

Barnet’s COVID-19 Community Response

3rd June 2020

We have all been affected by Covid-19 in some way. With all the stress, isolation and tragic losses of this time, one thing which has been heart-warming has been the way that the community has rallied round to support the more vulnerable members of society. Whether it’s people starting up local informal groups to hundreds of thousands signing to be an NHS Responder, or volunteers supporting the Central Community Hub, Barnet volunteers have gone the extra mile.

During a time of crisis, people come together, and close to home in Barnet, we have seen how very quickly groups of individuals organised themselves to help others. This has renewed our appreciation for the people who give up their time to help others.

In Barnet, Over 600 volunteers have signed up and they are supporting with food deliveries, driving and befriending. This astonishing volunteering mobilisation, informal and formal, shows that volunteers are a key part of the response to this crisis.

Are you keen to join the local pool of Barnet Community Responders? We need your support now and as we transition volunteering needs for the long term. Here are some of the roles available:

• Drivers & Crew – Food Delivery Role
• Business Support Helpline Volunteer (Front Line)
• Businsess Support Helpline Volunteer (Second Line)
• Food Packer Delivery Driver

As we move slowly from the current period into the recovery period, we can take comfort in the instinct that people give their time to help others. We will be telling volunteer stories throughout Volunteers’ Week. Join us in saying thanks to these heroes this Volunteers’ Week, tell us about a volunteer that has made a difference in your community recently, either an individual, a volunteer organisation or a local neighbourhood initiative. Tag us in your thank you messages so we can share it with others and use the hashtags #TimeToSayThanks #BarnetTogether.

This post is part of our Volunteers’ Week blog series with words from Molly Sweeney, Molly is a Volunteer Brokerage Coordinator at Groundwork London.