How UCLan students and staff have volunteered during the coronavirus pandemic

Two pensioners being made a cup of tea before social distancing was introduced Pic: People's Health Trust — Two pensioners being made a cup of tea before social distancing was introduced Pic: People’s Health Trust

Staff and students at Preston’s university have been helping the city’s most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

The University of Central Lancashire has released details of the work they’ve been doing with the People’s Health Trust.

Working with local community groups and charities the university has been training up students and staff on how to safely perform a number of tasks.

Vital services such as delivering food parcels to families, collecting prescriptions, supplying toys and educational tools to families and also providing telephone and digital befriending services for the city’s vulnerable and elderly.

A number of students at the university’s school of social work, care and community have volunteered to do social work or be NHS volunteers.

UCLan’s business planning and development lead for its Centre for Citizenship and Community, Jez Buffin, said: “This is a worrying and stressful time for everyone, but some people and communities are more deeply impacted than others.

“We are pleased to be able to do what we can to support some of the most vulnerable.

“The response from our students in wanting to volunteer and help has been phenomenal and I am very proud of them.”