George is a volunteer in Lewisham.
I’m a barber by trade and even though it was challenging at times, it’s something I will never forget and proud to have been involved with.
After the first 2 lockdowns, finding it very difficult to do nothing, I received a email about volunteering at a vaccination centre. I received the email at around 10pm which was surprising but it showed me how busy the council were. I replied instantly which I knew I had to do because last year when I received an invitation I was too late. Plenty of people wanted to help clearly which is great.
My first day was very memorable. There was 8 of us volunteers and we was told this morning we would be dealing with 200 over-80-year-olds. They needed someone to be at the front door to control the flow of people coming in , making sure they had masks and also sanitised hands. I put my hand up to take it on as I have previous security experience which I thought it linked and also wanted to be busy. They kept me at the door and I managed to do 20 sessions there. I was based at St. John’s medical centre which was also open as a doctors surgery and also a sexual health clinic. So not only was we controlling vaccinations but dealing with patients to both of the venues. That was challenging and eye opening.
I remember a young woman came to me at the door almost in tears. Asking to be let in as she couldn’t get through and needed help. I told her that they were very busy because of the current situation and attempt at distributing the vaccines. She started crying and looked into my eyes to tell me she wanted to kill herself. At that moment I couldn’t focus on what my job was but to just let her in. An hour later she walked down the stairs still in tears but with a big smile to say thank you. It was worth it and hope she is ok today.
It felt very rewarding at the beginning. Even though there was moments were it was cold and you had to tell many people to queue up outside and try to be patient, which some struggled with, understandably . The majority were very grateful and excited. One lady was very excited because she had 2 new-born grandchildren she hadn’t seen yet. That was very common. Imagine for some people that vaccination day was there first trip out the house. Desperate for a way out to normal life again.
As the age brackets got younger people were moving quicker and the flow was less stressful. Less physical help needed up the stairs.
The news didn’t help at times. I remember when the AstraZeneca was linked to blood clots. We had people running back worried they was about to get one. I laughed and told people to stop watching the news. Way too negative.
There was a few people who demanded to have the other jab when finding out on the day it wasn’t the one they wanted. I tried to explain to some that as a country we are lucky to even get a vaccine now let’s not be spoilt. But then again. Media scared some people, can’t blame them. It’s been a tough long year and I could and can see it in peoples faces. So even though I came across many angry, stressed individuals, I did not treat them differently and always took sympathy, only trying to comfort. I don’t know what they have gone through but what I did know is the last year has been very tough for everyone. Some people just needed to let off steam and I let them. It helps.