We have been delighted to welcome two volunteers back to the office so far to volunteer with us again. Here’s Britt’s story in her own words:
My first few weeks back to volunteering at WYCCP after lockdown: I am completing one half day a week and it is really good to be back and to see some familiar faces! All the team have made me feel really welcomed back and part of the team again. To settle back in to the swing of things there are resources available that I have found very useful before I came into the office, I watched the refresher videos and help sheets that have been made for us volunteers as reminders and top tips. These include how to use the database, complete assessments and how the office is running after lockdown. I find these useful as they are quick reminders of how to use all the resources and how to follow the office guidelines in the right way due to Covid restrictions.
My first days back in the office since before March: each week has allowed me to get straight back into using the database, online resources, the phone and how to carry myself when speaking to service users and other professionals. The team are always on hand if you are unsure or have any questions, I have had many! I have enjoyed coming back to volunteer and working as a team again, because each week is a different experience, so far, I have learned new ways of dealing with situations and used new resources I had not used even before lockdown.
It has been slightly different to pre-lockdown, as each week there is a rotated system in place so that there is not more than 4 people in the office at any one time so we can all stick to the government guidelines on socially distancing. Everyone seems passionate and working hard to support service users through this most difficult time, alongside my university placement, this is one reason I wanted to come back to volunteering. I enjoy working at WYCCP and feel comfortable in this new working environment, working together to help individuals in need of support.
Covid restrictions have impacted the ability for us to meet service users in public like before, but they are able to come to the office for socially distanced meetings, so we are able to offer them the right support. I believe due to the pandemic and current circumstances; many people I have spoken to are worried about this and our service users seem very grateful that we are available and taking the time to support them and check in on them in this difficult time.