NHS teams in Sefton are celebrating the outstanding contribution from volunteers across the local COVID-19 vaccination programme, during Volunteer’s Week 2021.

The volunteer programme, set up in partnership with NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), has been a great success with over 250 people applying to help.

As of 26 May, an estimated 6,182 volunteer hours were completed across the four local vaccination sites in Sefton, totalling an equivalent estimated wage value of £81,417.

Volunteers provided support in four local vaccination centres in Sefton, which were run by Sefton GP practices working together in groups – known as Primary Care Networks. The CCGs in Sefton and Sefton CVS are taking the opportunity to applaud the hard work and dedication of these vaccination teams during Volunteer’s Week – an annual event which runs from 1 to 7 June, celebrating volunteers and thanking them for the contributions they make across the UK.

Certificates were awarded to volunteers across the local vaccination sites to commend their efforts, and celebrations to thank the teams have been taking place in the form of custom-baked cakes, pizza deliveries and more.

Fiona Taylor, chief officer of NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We would like to wholeheartedly thank the generous and selfless volunteers who have given their time and energy to the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Sefton. We are truly grateful for your support and every hour volunteered is greatly appreciated.

“This is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history and what we have achieved together is nothing short of outstanding. Our clinical teams would not have been able to deliver the vaccine programme so far, at such a successful rate, without the support of the volunteers on site to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.”

Angela White OBE, chief executive of Sefton CVS added: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sefton’s vibrant and resilient voluntary sector has continued to provide frontline services and valuable support to local residents, and volunteers continue to play a key role in the ongoing vaccination programme across the borough.

“As part of national Volunteers Week, Sefton CVS would like to thank everyone who has made a difference in their communities through volunteering and working together to meet the needs of local residents during this difficult time.”

Adele Cartwright, a volunteer at a local vaccination site said: “Volunteering has helped me so much with my confidence. I am very much a people's person and I love helping others, especially when I know that NHS teams are already under so much pressure from the coronavirus pandemic.”

More than 170,000 people in Sefton have so far received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 111,000 people have been fully vaccinated with two doses.

Following the government guidance on priority groups, NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate Sefton residents and anyone aged 30 and over can now book their jab through the national booking system.

There are several vaccination centres across Merseyside that anyone eligible can make appointments with, including nine pharmacies in Sefton based in Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

When invited, people in Sefton will be able to book their first or second doses by calling 119 or visiting the national booking service website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.