A Harrogate charity is calling for more volunteers to come forward to drive patients to coronavirus vaccine appointments.

Harrogate and District Community Action has a small team of volunteers helping people who would otherwise struggle to get to their appointments.

The volunteers work with Harrogate Easier Living Project, which is part of HADCA, to offer the service.

Frances Elliot, chief executive at HADCA, said the team now needed more volunteers after huge interest in the programme.

She said:

“We urgently require more volunteer drivers to join our small team. Applicants would need to be in possession of a DBS check less than two years old.

“All volunteers are being trained in the new covid guidelines to ensure we can offer a safe and trusted service.”

It comes as the government’s covid vaccination programme is set to offer jabs to over 70s this week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set a target of February 15 to offer all those in the top four priority vulnerable groups the vaccine.

Vaccinations in the Harrogate district are being administered at the Great Yorkshire Showground. However, a mass vaccination hub has opened today in York, which offers jabs to those within a 45 minute distance.

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HADCA’s appeal for volunteers comes as the charity celebrates carrying out 5,000 tasks in the community to help people stay safe at home during the pandemic.

The HELP team has offered practical and emotional help to people since the coronavirus crisis began in March.

HELP team members celebrate the milestone of completing 5,000 tasks for those in need in the Harrogate community.

Nadine Bleasby, one of the volunteers, said it felt important to help her community, no matter how small the task. She said:

“It was the first time I’d done something like this, but I figured I could easily manage a couple of extra supermarket trips a week to help out people currently not able to do so and I think I’ve taken in all of Harrogate’s supermarkets over the last nine months. 

“I’ve met some lovely people, some on an ad-hoc basis, and others I’ve got to know a little better as I’ve shopped more regularly for them.

“It’s not really about the shopping though, it’s about human contact and taking the time for a conversation and seeing how people are coping. That has been the unexpected but heart-warming element, simply having a chat.”

To volunteer for HADCA’s driving force and other services, contact help@hadca.org.uk or call 01423 813096. 

People in the Harrogate district are being asked to thank the NHS and local volunteers in contrasting ways this weekend.

Harrogate and District Community Action is encouraging people to raise a glass this evening to volunteers who continue to work during the pandemic.

HADCA, which had to cancel its annual Volunteering Oscars awards because of covid, is asking people to raise their glass or mug at 7pm and then post images of themselves saying ‘cheers’ on social media, tagging the Volunteering Oscars on Twitter using #nevermoreneeded.

The Volunteering Oscars celebrates volunteers in the district who help the elderly, children or terminally ill, or whose efforts ensure venues such as museums stay open.

John Fox, chair of HADCA, said:

“We clapped hands for the NHS – why don’t we all lift a glass to say thanks to all the volunteers across the Harrogate district for what they’ve done?”

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Jonathan Sanderson and his two children practising their howls.

A Harrogate businessman has come up with an altogether different way to celebrate the NHS in a fun way that also appeals to children at Halloween.

Jonathan Sanderson, managing director of IT recruitment company Corecom Consulting, is asking people to Howl for Heroes on their doorsteps at 7pm on Saturday.

Mr Sanderson said:

“My children, along with so many others, are disappointed that the traditional evening of our local community in Harrogate coming together trick or treating will not be able to happen due to covid.

“Howl for Heroes is a socially distanced, fun and noisy alternative to coming together on the evening and recognising the hard work of the NHS who are continuing to support those suffering with the illness.”