Why I jumped at chance to volunteer at vaccination centre

Published: 27 January 2021

A City Council worker furloughed during the most recent national ‘lockdown’ has described how she jumped at the chance of volunteering at the large-scale vaccination centre at Westpoint.

Sixty-seven-year-old June Hutchings said: “Of course I’m going to do it – why wouldn’t I? If it’s going to help other people then why not?”

June, who lives in Redhills, Exeter, was recently furloughed from her job as a project officer for the City Council’s tourism department.

After realizing she would have time on her hands she applied to help out at Westpoint and is now waiting to receive her shifts. She will be stewarding either inside or outside at the venue and will receive training before she starts.

“They’re desperate for volunteers and if you’re furloughed and reasonably fit then there’s no reason why you can’t do it,” she said.

June herself received a vaccination this week, along with her husband. In October she tested positive for the virus but has long since recovered.

She urged other people to help out with the volunteering.

“They are only four-hour shifts and you can pick and choose which ones you do, so I would encourage anyone to get involved if they can,” she said.

To find out how to get involved go to: https://ourplymouth.co.uk/volunteer-opportunity/covid-19-vaccination-program-volunteers-needed/