Kirkby vaccine volunteer describes role on frontline helping fight virus

Arlene Thompson is a furloughed areas sales manager for Hurthwaite based ASDF Wholesale who is now volunteering at the Ashfield Health Village vaccine hub.

The 43-year-old, from Kirkby, wanted to help beat the virus so she can see her own parents again, and to fill her time whilst unable to work.

"I wanted to do my bit. I feel the faster people get vaccinated the sooner we can beat this virus and our lives can go back to normal,” she said.

Arlene’s role involves helping guide and support people through the system.

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The centre sees 600 people a day, immunising 200 people per shift. Arlene works around 4 to 5 hours, about three times a week.

There are around 100 volunteers, who support the health staff in tasks such as wiping down and sanitising surfaces, taking details, and guiding people through the process, which takes from 30 – 40 minutes.

“When people first arrive they are moved through various sections, we have to remove their masks and give them a clean one, a lot of people are using the same masks,” said Arlene.

"We guide them to the different sections, they fill in forms, answer a few health questions. Eventually they move to the section where they get their jab. With some there is a 15-minute wait afterwards.

“Some of the older people may not be so steady on their feet, others may have difficulty hearing what is going on. It is our job to help them. They have all been shielding and some are lonely, it’s an opportunity for them to see people again.

"The people are amazing, they’ve lived through the war and Polio, they are so understanding as to why it’s important to be vaccinated and are all so pleased to be there, so patient.

"I have met some lovely people. I enjoy the work, it is a lovely family atmosphere, you feel like you are supporting the doctors, nurses and all the staff. I missed my customers at work, so it’s been good to have something to focus on and do something for my community.

“This will be talked about for years to come, it’s great to be able to say I helped.”

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