Lancashire Volunteer Partnership (LVP) have been praised for their work on providing volunteer marshals for the vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

LVP have been working in partnership with the NHS to provide volunteers across Lancashire and South Cumbria, with volunteers joining the programme from all over Lancashire.

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Since then, over 20,000 hours have been dedicated by volunteers.

LVP Managers Ian Sewart and Julie Sumner said: “Being part of the formation of Lancashire Volunteer Partnership, we knew that we had the experience and capability to recruit, prepare and deliver volunteer marshals on behalf of the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

“Our team of Volunteer Officers are committed to supporting those who want to volunteer for public services and so began one of the largest volunteer recruitment campaigns Lancashire has ever seen.

“In just a couple of weeks, LVP processed over 1,000 applications from people wanting to volunteer as NHS Covid Vaccination Marshals, and now the number of applications stands at over 1,500. It comes as no surprise to us that LVP Volunteers have now reached 20,000 hours volunteered – they are wonderful.”

Angie Ridgwell, Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “As Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have volunteered at vaccination centres across Lancashire and South Cumbria. 

“The speed we are vaccinating the most vulnerable in our communities is a joint effort in which everyone involved is playing a vital role. I wish to particularly highlight the contribution of volunteers in ensuring our vaccination centres run smoothly and in reassuring all of those who arrive not quite knowing what to expect.

Read more: Recycling Lives in Preston desperately need volunteers to help with pandemic efforts

“In many instances this could be their first journey away from home in months. Our volunteers have demonstrated what our county is famous for, a warm welcome and community spirit. 

“I would like to thank them for their contribution to this historic vaccination programme which protects our most vulnerable and will shape our response to the virus in the years to come.”

Jane Scattergood NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Director thanked volunteers saying: “The vaccination programme – the biggest in NHS history – is off to a strong start.

“In just two months, the health service in Lancashire and South Cumbria has vaccinated around 500,000 people, opened more than 54 vaccination services and visited over 500 care homes.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible partnership work across the NHS, local authorities, public sector, health and care staff, other partners, and you, our amazing volunteer workforce.

Information on local coronavirus vaccination hubs can be seen below

“We knew when we began the planning and roll-out of the vaccination programme that we couldn’t do it alone and would need the support of the community. I cannot begin to express how heart-warming it is to know that so far 1,500 local people have come forward to volunteer their time to support their local NHS and help bring an end to this ongoing pandemic.

“I would like to personally thank every single one of you for the time and support you have provided.

“Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and the time you are giving up supporting the vaccination programme.”

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

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