The council and Warrington Voluntary Action (WVA) are working together to support our communities to help look after our most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For people who are currently self-isolating, and those who are able to volunteer their time to offer support, we are on hand to offer guidance.

Want to volunteer?

Groups and volunteers can get in touch to ensure there is a coordinated response across the borough. It is important that any volunteers or groups follow the national guidance so that they can volunteer safely and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Read the complete guide for Voluntary and Community Groups (10 minute read)

Let us know if you have volunteers, if you need volunteers, and to share what you are already doing. Please also let us know if you are willing for us to signpost additional local volunteers to you.

Email info@warringtonva.org.uk or call 01925 246880, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Volunteers

If you want to volunteer as part of the coordinated effort, please email info@warringtonva.org.uk or call 01925 246880, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, to be directed to your nearest local group or area of need.

If you are volunteering or plan to volunteer

Don't
  • Seriously consider not volunteering in the community if you are in one of the Government’s identified vulnerable groups (you are over 70, you have an underlying health condition, weakened immune system or if you are pregnant). Consider instead supporting others who are self-isolating by phoning friends and relatives, getting involved with online chat and support forums etc.
  • If you are a smoker, consider if it is wise to be a volunteer, as COVID-19 is a disease that attacks the respiratory system so smokers are more likely to become unwell and find it more difficult to recover. If a smoker does volunteer they must be smokefree while on duty.
  • Don’t continue to volunteer in the community if you feel unwell, especially if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 yourself. If you do develop symptoms, self-isolate following NHS guidance.
  • Don’t take someone else’s debit card or allow them to share their PIN with you. If possible when collecting shopping for someone, buy it, keep the receipt and have them repay you when you drop it off.
Do
  • Check on family, friends and neighbours who are self-isolating to see if there is anything they need. You should do this via telephone, text, Skype call, or email to minimise any contact.
  • Get in touch with our central coordination line call 01925 246880, or email info@warringtonva.org.uk if you want to be put in contact with volunteer groups already active in your local area.
  • Ensure you regularly wash your hands and/or use sanitiser.
  • Try to always cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin immediately, following the ‘catch it, kill it, bin it’ guidelines. If you do not have a tissue sneeze or cough into your elbow and not your hands.
  • If you develop a persistent cough or high temperature, self-isolate following NHS guidance.
  • Always keep some distance (at least two metres) between you and the person/people you are supporting – this protects both them and you – and ensure you wash or sanitise your hands before and after handing over shopping/a dog lead/anything else, or exchanging money.   
  • Take care of your own health and mental wellbeing and pace yourself – this is a new situation but it may continue for some time Take time for yourself and follow the guidance to protect yourself, then you can continue supporting those who need it over the coming months. Information is available at MIND and the local website Happy?OK?Sad?
  • Be vigilant about possible scammers who may try and target vulnerable people in your community. Report concerns to trading standards on 0808 223 1133.

We have two flyers you can print off and distribute in your community.

Guidance for volunteers

You can share the 'Guidance for volunteers in the community' flyer with volunteers in your community groups. It gives you information on Do's and Don'ts of volunteering.

Guidance for self-isolation

Download and post the 'Guidance for those who are self-isolating and need support' flyer in you local community so those who may be vulnerable/self-isolating can know how to contact us.

Do you know who needs help and support in your local community?

Can't volunteer, but want to help

Foodbank donations

Donations to local foodbanks are welcomed. There is currently a shortage of food and there are families and vulnerable people who rely on donations. Please give whatever you can and drop off at the collection points/boxes at:

  • Sainsbury’s stores – Rush Green in Lymm, The Cross in Lymm, Culcheth or Chapelford
  • Tesco Extra, Winwick Road
  • Morrison’s, Stockton Heath
  • ASDA stores – Birchwood, Westbrook or Cockhedge shopping centres
  • Any SPAR store across Warrington
  • Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre, Insall Road, WA2 0HD

Self-isolating and need support?