The British Red Cross is working to harness the power of kindness shown in Wales over the last 18 months as it looks to build on the surge of community action during the Covid-19 pandemic and recruit hundreds of new volunteers around the UK.
Kate Griffiths, British Red Cross Director for Wales, who is launching the appeal, has urged people to ask themselves if they could give “just a few hours each week” to make a big difference in people’s lives.
The Red Cross has been responding to coronavirus since the outbreak began, as its volunteers continued to support the most vulnerable communities through the crisis.
The charity reached over 2 million people in the UK since March 2020, providing food, medicines, emotional and wellbeing support, transport to and from hospital, as well as a range of education resources online.
Raggie, 73, a widower, is one of those who benefitted from the innovative approach.
He described the service and the support from Charlet, the Connecting Communities coordinator as a âlifelineâ.
Charlet didnât know if this idea would be a hit but it proved very popular, and the group rarely missed a week since it started in the summer of 2020.
Raggie says: âTheir support was like a life ring thrown to me while I was drowning in a bottomless ocean of loneliness and despair.â
At the height of the pandemic, and while people were in prologued periods of lockdown, communities across the UK rallied with people supporting charities, community organisations, friends and neighbours, foodbanks and mutual aid groups. The British Red Cross is now asking if some of the people who got so involved then might be keen to build on those experiences, meet new people and learn new skills.
The Red Cross has also played a key role in the response to the pandemic in Wales since it started, helping people get their vaccines, supporting those hardest hit by providing practical and emotional support through its dedicated Covid-19 support line, providing cash grants, food and other essential supplies to people in urgent need, and through supporting the Welsh Government’s volunteer prescription delivery scheme.  The charity is now looking for volunteers to aid their Independent Living services in West Wales.
For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home.
He spent around three weeks on a coronavirus ward, where three people passed away.
He wasnât allowed any outside visitors, but was visited by the British Red Cross independent living team, which is based in the hospital. They checked in on him and helped him take short walks up and down the corridor to rebuild strength in his legs which had been weakened by the virus.
When Paul came home, the Red Cross helped sort out a walking frame which he depended on to get about, as well as a weekly food shop delivery to keep his cupboards stocked.
Paul hadnât been out in three months and when his GP requested that he go for a short walk with a chaperone, support worker Scott and Emergency Response volunteer, Bridget were able to step in.
The British Red Cross is helping with the coronavirus emergency across the UK. Our staff and volunteers are always on standby to help and the coronavirus, also called Covid-19, is no exception.
Amongst other roles, the charity is looking for people who would be able to offer practical and emotional support to people discharged from hospital, whether that’s stocking the fridge, feeding the cat or a just cup of tea and chat.
Ann, a volunteer who was rewarded for her 27-years of outstanding service last year, said she found volunteering “enormously fulfilling.” She added: “I loved being able to work in the local community.”
Kate Griffiths, British Red Cross Director for Wales said:
“The last 18 months have, for all of us, been like no other. We could not have pulled through without the support of the dedication and kindness of our volunteers. However, as we emerge from the pandemic, we expect a surge in demand for support this winter.
“This is where you come in. Volunteering just a few hours each week could make a big difference to people in need. We have roles to suit everyone, no matter how much time you have to give and whatever your experience.
“It could also be great for you. From meeting other like-minded and passionate people to learning new skills that could help your career, the British Red Cross is a place where you will be supported and recognised for what you do.
“Please, if you can, visit our website and sign-up today.”
Volunteers are a crucial way for the British Red Cross to support people in crisis and the charity is encouraging people to sign up. Visit www.redcross.org.uk to find an opportunity near you.
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