MORE volunteers are urgently needed in Somerset to help people get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The NHS Volunteer Responders organisation is calling for more Steward Volunteers in Mendip, Sedgemoor and North Somerset to support at local vaccination sites.

Requests for Steward Volunteers have soared in recent weeks and there are now more than 2,000 shifts that need filling in sites across the country each day.

"The south west has seen a growing need for steward volunteers and the NHS is calling for help to get local people vaccinated over the summer, particularly in those areas of most vaccination need," said a spokesperson.

"Steward Volunteers support with the efficient and safe movement of patients through vaccination sites, ensuring that social distancing measures are in place and identifying people who require additional support."

Sites accepting volunteers include:

  • Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN
  • BASC (Day Lewis Pharmacy), BASC Ground, Stoddens Road, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2BS
  • Jhoots Pharmacy, Victoria Park Drive, Bridgwater TA6 7AS
  • Harbourside Family Practice, 2 Haven View, BS20 7QA
  • Weston Sea Cadets Vaccination Centre, Sea Cadets HQ, Sunnyside Rd North, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3QY

People interested should go to www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk to sign up as a Steward Volunteer.

Shifts usually last up to six hours with expenses covered. No experience or qualifications are required and a full briefing is provided on site.

"This is one of the busiest and most crucial periods of the national vaccination programme," the spokesperson added.

"More than 50 million vaccines have already been delivered and work continues at pace to vaccinate all adults, with 25-29 year olds recently added to the list."

Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We find ourselves at a crucial moment in the vaccination rollout.

"There is a real urgency to this, and we are working at pace to get all adults vaccinated as fast as possible.

"There is a particular need for steward volunteers to help the vaccination programme reach communities most in need.

"If you are able to help by joining the team, please don’t hesitate. Together we can get the jabs done.”