Residents across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to reach out and support members of the local community who are feeling isolated.
As part of the Feeling Connected campaign – a partnership project led by Derbyshire Voluntary Action with the support of Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council, which aims to tackle social isolation in the local area – people are being urged to consider volunteering opportunities in the local community.
Jacqui Willis, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “When you choose to become a volunteer, you’re offering someone your time, talents and life experience. But you’re also getting so much in return: confidence, skills, friendship, as well as the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive effect on people, communities and society in general.
“Volunteering helps us to feel more connected to others, and we become less absorbed in the normal stresses of daily life. We share our experiences with others and want to help more.”
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As Covid-19 restrictions continue, many local organisations are still on the lookout for more volunteers who could help support the local community, and we’re encouraging as many local people as possible to get involved in opportunities that are available.”
Councillor Alan Powell, North East Derbyshire District Council’s cabinet member for Partnership Engagement and Strategy, said: “Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
“If anyone in our district can help out by giving just an hour or two of their time, it could make a big difference to someone in need.”
Chesterfield Volunteer Centre still needs help to deliver the ‘To Your Door’ project to people across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. The project provides a shopping and prescription delivery service to people who are shielding or isolating across the area due to the current pandemic.
Volunteer Centre Manager, Dave Radford, said, “So far, the project has been a tremendous success. We’ve made almost 3,000 grocery deliveries, which we couldn’t have done without our team of wonderful volunteers.”
Anyone interested in joining the team can call 01246 276777 or email info@chesterfieldvc.org.uk
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is also reaching out to residents who may be able to spare some time to help brighten someone’s day through two more volunteering opportunities – ‘Friendly Chats and ‘Door Steps’ campaign.
The ‘Friendly Chats’ project is looking for volunteers who help someone by giving them a friendly phone call. This could be phoning one person once a week or more if you have time.
As part of the ‘Door Steps’ campaign, volunteers can accompany someone on a short walk around the block, help sweep leaves on the drive, or even just check-in on someone and have a chat on the door step. Government guidelines on social distancing will be followed at all times.
Emma Holt, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Response Worker added: “We’re asking volunteers to spare whatever time they can to help keep people connected and mobile during this time. Even if you can only spare a couple of hours a week, you’ll still be making a huge difference to somebody.”
For more information on ‘Friendly Chats’ or ‘Door Steps’ email: emma@dva.org.uk or call 07895 703108.