Month: August 2021

Danny is a volunteer shift leader at the Downham Vaccination Hub.

I signed up to volunteer because I needed to help in some way to combat this pandemic, and what better way than to be able to help my community with this vaccination program.

I think of the feeling of happiness and pride knowing that every time I do a day of work I am helping to protect the health and life of many people.

What surprises me the most is the people working with me: their responsibility and professionalism with this job is impeccable. I will never forget this experience, and how proud I feel to say I was part of this program and I helped to battle this virus.

Mark Brown spoke with Lulu at the Waldron Health Centre in New Cross in June 2021.

 

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories and I am deep in the heart of the Waldron Clinic Vaccination Centre, and I’m here with…?

L: Lulu.

MB: Lulu, I think you have been involved quite intimately as your job in this whole effort. What have you been up to and how has it all been?

Continue reading Lulu — “Having this vaccination is taking away that feeling of helplessness for a lot of people”

Liz M is a volunteer at Downham and St. John’s. 

I decided to help with the vaccination effort for several reasons. First of all, I’d just left work and was looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a capacity that would help people. Secondly, I was obviously aware of what an enormous undertaking it was to vaccinate the entire nation, and how much the health service would be depending on volunteers to get the vaccine to as many people as possible, so I wanted to play a part.

I also loved the fact that I would be doing something to help in my local community, to make being vaccinated a celebration of sorts, and to make the experience a smooth and calm one especially for those who are nervous, unsure or vulnerable. And as vaccination is the only safe way out of this terrible pandemic, volunteering at a centre seemed an important thing to do.

Every time I volunteer I work with mostly new people, yet we all slot into our various roles seamlessly to create a great team that makes the shift run amazingly smoothly and allows us to vaccinate literally hundreds of people at a time.

What’s surprised me most? The size of the operation. On my first shift I was just overawed at the hundreds of people coming through the doors to be vaccinated – literally hundreds more than I’d seen in a year of lockdown – and how this was being replicated at thousands of centres around the UK. It felt incredible to be part of such an enormous effort that also has tremendous longevity until everyone receives two jabs.

What I you think I’ll always remember? The gratitude of the public towards us volunteers. I was taken aback the first time a woman said to me: “Thank you for all that you’re doing.” It didn’t feel that I was doing that much by watching over the observation room. But I guess it’s all those small acts that make the huge difference, and to have that recognised by a member of the public was unexpected, inspiring, and very humbling.

Mark Brown spoke with volunteer and NHS worker Khalid at a pop-up vaccination event at the Islamic Centre in Lewisham in June 2021.

 

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories, on a very, very, very hot mid-June afternoon at Lewisham Islamic Centre. I am here with…

KR: Khalid Rahman.

MB: So, Khalid, what is it you are doing here today?

KR: Today I am volunteering with Lewisham Islamic Centre. This is our second clinic that we have opened up to vaccinate our community. Not only our community but other communities also. So depending on if you heard our advertisement, you can come from another borough, and we are happy to vaccinate you, too, but we do prioritise with our community.

The first clinic, it was a very successful clinic. We vaccinated over 200 people. We had to turn away a lot of people, and that tells you that at the time there was a huge demand of the people that needed it.

This is my second time I am volunteering today. Volunteering for such a clinic, it is a personal thing for me, really, because I actually work for the NHS. I work on the medical admissions unit, at an NHS hospital. What we have experienced in the last 18 months or 18 months ago was a real eye-opener in terms of just the whole structure of the NHS, just our users in terms of patients, the situation that we were faced with in terms of this new virus that came upon us, and just dealing with that, actually.

This is my second time I am volunteering for Lewisham Islamic Centre, to run this clinic. It has been a second successful clinic. However, compared to the first clinic I feel that most of the bracket, age group, that was supposed to be vaccinated has more or less had their first vaccine and even had their second.

So we are at a stage in our country where it is kind of at a standstill, because we need to concentrate more on the under-30s and below now. So that is why it is a bit more of a slow pace, I believe.

MB: So what do you reckon puts people off coming for their vaccination?

KR: That can be for various reasons. Firstly, I mean it has been 18 years [sic] since we have been in this situation. So coming from a place where you could fall into an argument with either close friends, family members, or just normal strangers, you can’t be having a conversation with family members or people that you know and keep going through that. So what you do is someone has got to stop.

So at the beginning of it, I did used to get into little debates, discussions, and they used to turn a little bit heated because one person is one way and the other person is the other end. Everyone has got an opinion. The only thing is what opinions matter? That is what you have got to ask yourself.

So, usually, every time someone has had a real negative perception or is even really vocal in terms of speaking out against the vaccine, just dislodging it totally or not acknowledging it at all, it is in those circumstances where, even up to today, I will get involved and say my opinion. It is important that we don’t allow people to diss what has happened, or just make it hearsay, to say, “It is all made up,” “It is fake,” “The virus didn’t exist,” whatever people want to say. I am not going to allow that to happen. I am not going to disrespect all the people that lost their lives.

Yes, so I wouldn’t disrespect anyone in terms of the people that have suffered in the 18 years. So it is because of that reason, I will always have an opinion because I work on a medical admissions unit, like I said, and in my 11 years of working with the NHS I have never witnessed such an environment which was of — When I have to think about it now or talk about it, it was close to like a war — In terms of emotions and frantic and the noise level, it was just like a war zone, but just without the blood.

So you can imagine what a war zone can be like. Our ward was exactly like that, just with no blood. So it was nothing that was made up. That is definitely something true.

MB: I think it has been a horrible, horrible time. Have you had your vaccination?

KR: So, again, I have actually had– I will just answer it quickly. I have had both my vaccinations. I wasn’t someone– My mother, bless her, she was one of those hard hit, and still is, because she has always taken it seriously, and maybe more than others because we are at the other end of the spectrum where people are mentally scarred also. So it has taken a longer time for people to go about their normalities–their independence.

Mum fits into that bracket. So Mum was one of the first people to have her vaccinations. The people that had their vaccinations first are the people that we should look up to as a community because these were the first brave people to step up, forward, and put themselves up there, to say, “This is best for society,” and they are going to lead by example.

I actually had mine because I promised my mum the night before she had hers. I promised her, “Don’t worry, Mum.” At that time, everyone was a little bit apprehensive about the vaccine, or even up to today, which is June 2021, we still don’t know everything about the vaccine and we still don’t know everything about the virus. So it was just a case of, “Mum, don’t worry.” When it is time for me to have my vaccine, I promised her I am going to have mine.

So that was the ultimate reason why I had mine. Not only that. It was just safe for me to have it because I am on the front line, exposed to– My ward that I worked on was a red ward at the time, so it was just to protect myself and loved ones or anyone around me.

MB: That is amazing. So to put a slightly happier complexion on things, what are you looking forward to getting back when we kick the butt of this horrible disease?

KR: Life, for me hasn’t changed so much, Mark. I always tell people it is such a weird time because life for me never really changed even though it changed for the whole world, and my life always stayed the same.

So the only thing that did change was not being able to see my loved ones, my mother being one of them. So I just can’t wait until I see my family members, friends, the rest of the community a bit stronger mentally and a bit more feeling safer to go about their normality. Obviously, all being well.

MB: Thank you so, so much for that.

Mike is a volunteer in Downham who has also done volunteer shifts at the Waldron and St. John’s.

I really wanted to do something positive during the pandemic, something I could feel proud of or at least pleased about. I like to keep busy and the thought of sitting around doing nothing during our various lockdowns was too much for me.

It is great to feel that I helped, even in a very small way, to get us through the pandemic. The chance to get out and meet many new and interesting people was an added bonus.

What I think about most when I think about my involvement was the camaderie and support from everyone involved in the program. I really felt that we were all in it together, striving to get things done. The sinking feeling you get as Shift Leader, when something goes wrong, queues build quickly, and you are not quite sure what to do about it.

What’s surprised me most is how warm, friendly, and grateful the vast majority of people are, and how quickly they usually forgive you when they find out that you are a volunteer and are only trying to help.

I think I’ll always remember my team-mates, their trials and tribulations, and the trust they placed in me to sort things out. Plus images of flow tests, a constantly moving staffroom, wiping seats, the blackboard, sweets and treats, secretly drinking coffee, forms, fear, joy, and occasional confusion.

Mark Brown spoke with vaccination volunteer Rona at the Downham Vaccination Hub in July 2021.

 

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories, and I am sitting looking out across Downham Fields, looking at a beautiful panorama of London. I’m at a vaccination clinic at the weekend and I’m here with…

RH: Rona, Rona Hall.

MB: So, Rona, you are a volunteer with the vaccination effort in Lewisham. The first question I have to ask you is why? I know why I’m a volunteer. Why are you a volunteer?

RH: Oh, Mark, it’s been something that I have wanted to get involved in for a long time.

When the pandemic sort of hit and lockdown happened, I had retired from being somebody working in the NHS, and I felt really helpless, really, and, sort of, thinking, “Well, what can I do?” You know, I wouldn’t put myself forward with clinical skills and things, but I just felt there must be something that, you know, I could get involved in.

It was only once the vaccination programme started up, and I did volunteer as a COVID champion in Lewisham as well, and that kind of kept me up todate with what was happening and gave me information so that I could disseminate that amongst my networks and my communities, and then I saw this advert to join and become a volunteer with the vaccine clinics. It just was really easy to do, and that was so enabling actually.

So, rather than being paralysed with thinking, “Oh, what can I do? Am I good enough or am I not good enough?” it just was dead easy and nobody was anything other– it was that being welcomed into the project as well, and being part of it and being part of the community.

So, that’s why, and also, since I’d not been working full-time, I’d volunteered working in a prison, and that had been not possible for me to do. That had been such an important part of my life. So, what I’ve had a chance to do through the pandemic is really think about not holding back from opportunities when they come along, to be part of doing something, giving back to my community. Feeling not hopeless and helpless. So, that’s what it did for me.

MB: Yes. I remember way back in January when we started on the vaccination effort, just how bleak and apocalyptic it felt. It wasn’t clear whether we were going to pull this off. It wasn’t clear what was going to happen. What do you think you’ll always remember about your time volunteering with the vaccinations?

RH: Well, being made to feel that I mattered and I had a value, and that the people who I was meeting were also part of it. It was like everybody is part of something in the vaccination programme, whether you’re receiving it or you’re, like I’m doing today, doing an administrative task.

It doesn’t matter what you are doing, whether you are coming to be vaccinated or not, I feel as if it’s that possibility of hope and a movement of togetherness in community and different communities, and being part of the human race rather than just all segmented out.

The vaccination programme is for everybody, and being here in Downham, you see, it doesn’t matter what social status you have got or whether you’re old or young or whatever. Just everybody’s coming through the doors, and similarly with the diversity of the people who are actually on the– as volunteers on the programme.

MB: Yes. So, how’s your pandemic been? It sounds like a really weird question to ask, but I think we’ve all got a different experience. We’re all part of one big story, but we all had a story of our own. How’s the pandemic been for you?

RH: It’s been really up and down at times. I mean, I feel very much better this year than I did this time last year, but that was mainly because my husband’s a vicar. Throughout the pandemic, he’s been incredibly busy, and our daughter moved back to live with us because she wasn’t in a place that was suitable for working at home. She’s got a really high-stress job as well. So, they were working 60 hours a week, 70 hours a week.

So, I went from being somebody who had quite a lot going on in my life outside of the home, because that’s what I’d always done, to being the sort of chief cook and bottle washer. So, I had to, kind of, reframe everything for me, and then finding ways of coming out again, coming out to be with people outside home.

So, it’s been up and down, but I think it’s so much easier now than it was, and having had two vaccinations myself, I feel so much better being around people. It shocked me because I’ve always been somebody who was, kind of– you know, if we’d just met Mark, I’m sorry, we would’ve had a big hug before, kind of thing, and that, of course, hasn’t been possible.

So, it’s been learning about myself and learning about how to be a person in a world that had a lot of uncertainty in it and a lot of loss, because, you know, obviously, in our communities, it hasn’t been straightforward for people. There’s been a lot of grief and sadness, and there are still a significant number of people that we know that are very uncertain and very afraid actually, of coming and being outside, even with people that they know.

So, I know there’s a lot still to do, but oh my God, I’m so glad we’ve got the vaccinations.

MB: I think that’s a wonderful point to end on. Thank you for that, Rona.

David is a volunteer at the Waldron in New Cross.

A friend was volunteering at the clinic, and I thought that would be a good thing to do: I had to wait until my wife (and I) had her first shot due to some medical issues, and then signed up the next week.

I joined at a good time, as there were a lot of second shots being given out, and it was a delight to help them: the oldies were particularly happy to be getting their shots, and their joy was infectious!

The people working at the clinic are from all levels of life, but they are generally fun to spend time with, and happy to muck in and help, and to show the ropes to the newer volunteers (there seem to be new people every time I go to the clinic). I will always look back fondly on helping the old folks to get through the process as easily as possible, and putting people’s minds at rest when they have questions about the vaccination.

Vicky Walker spoke with Yannick when he came to Downham for his second vaccination in June.

 

TRANSCRIPTION

VW: Hi. This is Vicky Walker for Lewisham Vaccination Stories, and I am here at Downham Vaccination Hub with Yannick, who I have just vaccinated for the second time. (Laughter) What a coincidence we–

Y: I know.

VW: He recognised me.

Y: Yes, I know. Absolutely, Vicky.

VW: (Laughter) And then I saw my handwriting on the blue card, which is something that I look for every day. So, Yannick, how has it been since your first vaccination?

Y: It was brilliant. I mean I had some slight side effects, a little bit, but nothing major. Apart from that, it was all right. I was a bit dreading it at the beginning, like oh, this, that, how is it going to happen, but it was lovely after that and so on. (Laughter)

VW: (Laughter) Good, I am glad we took care of you, and were you surprised that you got called in so soon for the second one?

Y: No. I mean I was yes, absolutely. I was surprised because based on the first one, it was planned for 11 weeks, like I mentioned before. I was a bit, “Okay.” Suddenly I got a message coming on my phone saying, “You are ready for the second one.”

I was looking at the date I had my first one. I said, “Whoa, hold on, that is only 5 weeks. This is meant to be 11 weeks.” So I was a bit worried, but I came to the Downham Centre, and basically they explained to me the situation, about Pfizer, it can go for 28 days. Is that right?

VW: Yes.

Y: You have 28 days and so on. I said, “Okay. I trust you guys, and it is okay.” (Laughter) “Let’s go for it.”

VW: (Laughter) Great. Well, yes, how has the last year and a bit been for you, with the lockdowns and the pandemic and everything?

Y: Oh, it was very stressful. There is a flip side to it. On a personal note, it was very hard for me with mental issues, but on the flip side, which is a positive note, I met my lovely wife here. Basically, we met around that time, and since that time we are together. So that is a good side for me. So I didn’t look at it as much as a bad side. I am looking at the positive side of meeting her, so, yes, it was a good thing.

VW: There is the positive side…

Y: Absolutely.

VW: … and then the even more positive.

Y: Absolutely, yes.

VW: So you just met during the pandemic?

Y: Yes, we met on 4th July last year, actually, so while I was working during those hard times, and you know what? I met her and since that time — So I just look at it as a positive side, to be honest. (Laughter)

VW: Wow. Well, it is great to hear that people are having a happy time during the chaos and the upsetting times.

Y: Yes, I know. It was hard at the beginning. I remember there were times when I was in the garden having some tears, personally in tears, like asking myself, “Wow, that is so hard,” and everything and so on. I have to say the government was very nice with furlough and so on and helping us and so on, financially and so on, but eventually…

I mean, looking at it from my perspective, I know most people won’t be having the same positive aspect of what I had, so I know some of them will be going through hard times and so on…

VW: Yes, definitely.

Y: … so I hope things get better for them.

VW: And are you feeling like you are emerging into the world again, or is this — ?

Y: Yes, slowly but surely. I mean, it is good to have a partner emotionally, mentally driving you positively on the outside. So without her, I don’t know. Maybe I would be mentally deranged. (Laughter)

VW: (Laughter)

Y: But it was good. I mean, like I said, I understand that some people are going through hard times. Even I might classify myself as a lucky one, maybe. I met my lovely wife, so, yes, it is all good for me.

VW: Wonderful, and are there things that you are looking forward to being able to do when we come out the other side?

Y: Yes. I mean right now I am just looking at — What is the word?

Y: Normality. We are going on the normality, going back to — We are expecting— I mean, I hope— Everything is looking positively, like everything is going to normality, so going back to work, getting back to normal life. So that is [Crosstalk].

VW: And enjoying being married and having a future together?

Y: Yes, absolutely, absolutely.

VW: Yes, wonderful. Well, thank you very much, Yannick. I appreciate it—

Y: Also, I would like— Can I just say—

VW: Yes, of course.

Y: On a personal note, seriously, the Downham Centre, I think, is very, very well organised, I have to say. I mean I didn’t want to say that, but I think the urge of saying that — You guys made me feel so welcome. I went with my wife to — I don’t know if I should say this, the Lewisham one.

VW: Huh! (Laughter)

Y: (Laughter) The one near the hospital. I would say I don’t really care. So I went there. It was not very organised-organised, but here, the first time I came here I thought I would have the same structure than in Lewisham, and I was like, “Okay, we are just going to go through it.” But you know what? Since you guys— I will say it because — That is my personal opinion. The way it is organised at the door, and it is the same on the other side, but here it makes you feel more welcome.

I will tell you what makes the difference. Here, you guys care. I will tell you why. You keep people here after for about 20 minutes, 15, 20 minutes, to make sure there are no side effects, and it makes you feel good. Last time, I felt it— I said, “Oh, we never had that in Lewisham.” [They just] ___ and, “See you later.” (Laughter)

But here it was well organised, and we stayed here for about 20 minutes, to make sure people are caring about you and looking after you because of any side effects, and after 20 minutes, “Okay, you are good to go,” and things like — I found that really, really nice.

VW: Wow.

Y: Maybe other — How would you say that? Other places like Downham do it. Well, that is how I witnessed it, and I think it is really nice.

VW: Well, thank you very much.

Y: You guys care here, I can say.

VW: We are all volunteers here, apart from the doctors, so…

Y: Yes, well done, well done. Really, really good.

VW: … we know that a lot of people were worried and anxious when they came through the door…

Y: Yes.

VW: … so we just try to make everybody feel okay and—

Y: Yes, and I think that is something very— With all the things that have been going on for the last year, with mental— illness, sickness, mental— Mentally affected—

VW: Your mental health was affected?

Y: Yes, mental health, that is it. That is what I am [crosstalk], about your mental health. I think this is very important. Even me. I mean, I am a manager of one of the branches of a retail— In Catford. Basically, it got to me. In my mind, I think I am kind of strong, but that got to me, the mental— How do you say it again? Mental well-being.

VW: Mental health, yes, yes.

Y: Mental well-being, mental health and all that. So I did feel it, [so] many people. So thanks to you, thanks to you, for helping and supporting and all that, so— Amazing.

VW: I am so glad to hear that because so many people went through a very dark time, and it was really difficult for so long.

Y: Yes.

VW: Even if you were strong and together, you still had dark days.

Y: Yes, you still break down sometimes.

VW: Yes, definitely.

Y: And I was on the verge to break down, and I know I was telling her about so many times I was crying in the garden, tears coming out. I said, “Oh my God. I feel so awkward. I just want to be home, back home in Mauritius, with my mum.” (Laughter) But just you can’t do nothing, you can’t go, and yes…

VW: How is your mum doing?

Y: She is great; she is great. She already had her second vaccination in Mauritius, so she is good. She is getting there.

VW: So you are hoping to travel and see her.

Y: Yes.

VW: And introduce your mother and your wife to each other?

Y: Yes, finally, yes. I am waiting for that gladly. (Laughter)

VW: That is fantastic, and what do you do in Catford? Have you been working through the pandemic?

Y: Yes, I have been working through the pandemic. I work for McDonald’s in Catford, the drive-through.

VW: Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Y: Yes, I am a manager there. So…

VW: Are you?

Y: Yes, yes. (Laughter)

VW: Well, I will have to come in and say hello.

Y: Yes, absolutely. Whenever you come for a cup of coffee, have a chat. (Laughter)

VW: Yes. Well, you must have some stories to tell about all the people you see.

Y: Oh, yes. I mean I have seen major — I mean in terms of staff as well, my staff, I can see how hard it was for them, but obviously with McDonald’s now trying towards more growth— trying to input on the well-being and the health of the mind. How do you say it? I keep forgetting the words.

Y’s wife: Mental health.

Y: Mental health, that is right. I keep forgetting the word. I don’t know why. Mental health, working on that. We have been inputting a lot towards our staff as well about the well-being of the staff and so on. So, trust me, it was a big job, but eventually we got there.

We were looking at the people, and they are talking to us and things like that. It was something new, something new compared to further lockdown, and you know what? It is good. I think the company, another company that — The country, altogether, came as strong, supporting each other, and that is great. Whether it is work-wise, whether it is personal-wise, so I think it is great.

VW: We have found new ways to help each other that we would — Yes.

Y: Absolutely, and that shows how strong we can be as human beings and things like that. So yes.

VW: That is amazing, yes. Thank you so much.

Y: You are more than welcome.

VW: I am going to let you go and enjoy your weekend.

Y: Thank you.

VW: And I am sure we will talk again.

Y: Yes. Sure, Vicky. (Laughter)

VW: Thank you very much for your interview, thank you.

Y: You are welcome.

VW: Bye-bye.

Y: Bye-bye.

Rupali is a volunteer in Lewisham.

I decided to volunteer because I came to know about it from a colleague and he mentioned that it’s a very enriching experience. I was scared initially that I might get infected, as I wasn’t vaccinated, but I was surprised to find out it was very safe and there was nothing to be scared about.

I loved meeting the old folks who came in for their second jabs — they were so sweet and reminded me of my grandparents in India, who had died some years back. I loved how they were so grateful to us for such a small work we were doing. It literally brought tears to my eyes when I did it the first time.

Vicky Walker talked to vaccination volunteer Cheryl at the Corbett Community Library in Catford in July 2021.

https://soundcloud.com/lvaccinationstories/free-vaccines-free-time

 

TRANSCRIPT

VW: Hi, this is Vicky Walker for Lewisham Vaccination Stories. I’m up at the Corbett Community Library today. I’m with my fellow Downham Vaccination Hub volunteer, Cheryl, and we’re going to have a talk. So, hi, Cheryl.

C: Hi, Vicky. How are you?

VW: I’m fine, and we’re sneaking away from doing our library work today!

So, Cheryl and I met through volunteering at the Corbett Community Library, which has only reopened in April because of the pandemic. How long have you been volunteering here?

C: I have been volunteering here since it originally opened. So, it’s coming up to nearly four years now.

VW: Wow.

C: So, it’s been a long time, yes.

VW: So, for those who might not know, this is a former council-run library that has now been taken over and is being run as a community effort. There are paid staff and then it’s run by a bunch of volunteers. So, what was it like during last year’s lockdown and the pandemic?

C: Well, actually in the library, we were doing click and collect. So, we were still coming in, and we had to get books together, bundles of books. On average, four to five books in a bundle. So, from ages 0 upwards, and we had those at the front.

People couldn’t come into the library, the main part of the library, just at the front, and they chose the books and we had to do everything manually. So we had to write down what books were taken, the numbers, etc., and that’s how it operated for quite a number of months.

VW: Right, and I know that we are possibly the only library in Lewisham that’s currently helping people with forms and social security and blue badges and things. Are you seeing people coming back to the library that you haven’t seen for a while?

C: Yes. I mean, the uptick now, there’s been a great increase in the number of people coming, especially using computers, and I know definitely, people come in for help. So, they’ve been very busy, the staff, working with those people. So, yes, life is getting back to normal.

VW: So, speaking of normal, what are you looking forward to doing when we get through, or if and when we get through this?

C: Really, seeing family, family and friends. I haven’t seen my daughter since March, yes, 2020. Yes, so it’s over a year. Fortunately, she was down for her aunt’s birthday. So, that’s the last time all the family got together.

VW: Where is she?

C: She is living in Wolverhampton.

VW: Oh, wow.

C: So, it’s quite a way away. She’s hoping to come down at the end of the month, but probably not. We’re saying just let’s see how things go, but definitely, yes. My sister lives locally and I haven’t been in her house.

VW: You should tell her to come to the library.

C: Yes, she did actually. She came last week. She came last week because I lent her that book that you lent me, the Richard Osman book. So, I’ve lent it to her. So, she popped in last week, but generally, we haven’t been to see friends and family at all.

VW: So, Cheryl and I, well, we volunteer together at Downham, which is something I talked you into.

C: Yes.

VW: What made you say yes to another volunteer job?

C: Well, obviously, I’ve got the time on my hands because I’m not working, although I’m meant to be looking for a job. So, I have done my CV and I need to update it, but having had both of my vaccines at Downham, and I was just really impressed by the whole procedure, and the fact that it’s staffed by volunteers. Everyone’s really nice and good to you, and make you feel welcome, and they’re very friendly.

So, the opportunity arose, and as you were encouraging me, and I know that [library volunteer] Rosy was doing it as well, and I thought, “Well, let me give something back. I’ve had two free vaccines, and so I can give my free time back,” and that’s why I’m doing that.

VW: That’s brilliant, yes. So, have your family all had their jabs? Have they been other places?

C: My husband had his first, because he had his at King’s College Hospital. So, he had Pfizer. So, he’s had both his jabs. He was a bit reluctant at first, even though originally, he was like, “Yes, I’m going to have it,” then quite a few of his friends said no. Some definitely said, “No, we’re not having it.” Some said, “We’ll wait and see,” and another one said, “Well, if you catch it, you catch it and that’s it.”

A lot of my friends had already had theirs, and he said, “Oh, phone your friends, see,” and they were all like, “No, have it,” and my brother’s like, “No, I’ve had it,” his wife’s had it. “Just don’t be afraid. Go ahead and do it.”

VW: Do you think he’s afraid because it’s going to hurt or he’s worried about the side effects?

C: Well, it was the side effects, and the funny thing is, last October, we talked about it and he was like, “Well, they’ve done this and it’s ready to be done, the vaccine, they’ve done the tests and that.” Even I, at the time, said, “No, it’s too soon,” because it takes a number of years because they’ve got to do all the testing first, you know, the animals, then on people, and he was like, “No, no, it’s going to be alright,” etc., and then when it came to him having it, he was reluctant, but for me, it was just straightforward.

So, yes, he’s had it. My son has some underlying problems, because he has allergies and he has really bad eczema, and at the moment, he’s waiting to see what his GP is telling him before he can go ahead.

My daughter, she caught it when she was in Wolverhampton, and she had it real bad, but then she was like, “Oh, because I’ve had it, I probably won’t have the vaccine,” but they’re adults. So, it’s not for me to tell them, but my sister has had hers, her son and, yes, the majority of family and friends have had theirs.

VW: Well, hopefully, they’ve all had as fun a time getting their jabs as we have hanging out at the vaccination centre. It’s truly a delight to meet so many lovely volunteers from so many walks of life.

C: It is, and actually, Downham, though I suppose I’m a bit biased because it was the first place. So I volunteered at other places, but yes —

VW: No loyalties, yes.

C: I know, but I think because it’s the first place and I see that as my main volunteering hub, it is; it’s a great place to be, and yes, they look after you. They look after the volunteers, and I’ve been to a couple of places where, you know, there haven’t been team leaders or others, sort of, like, so concerned with your wellbeing, which I think is important.

VW: So, what would you say to someone who wanted to volunteer? What advice would you give them?

C: It’s not daunting. You think at first, “Wow, can I do it?” and you’re a bit worried, but it’s not. It’s, sort of, like, you’ve got the team leaders and the other staff there to show you the way, pull you along, and it’s great, and the time passes quickly, and you know you’re doing something good.

VW: Exactly.

C: And that’s amazing.

VW: We’ve done 33,000 vaccinations at Downham since January.

C: Oh, gosh. I mean, that is just a crazy amount of people.

VW: With the power of volunteers, we’re doing it together. It’s brilliant.

C: Yes, it is, it is, and obviously to yourself who actually trained to do the vaccination.

VW: It was something that I was curious about and it had to be done, and it feels really great to put people’s minds at rest, give them a jab, and sometimes they just take a deep breath and they go, “Oh, is that all there is?”

C: That’s right, yes, because it actually doesn’t hurt.

VW: It doesn’t.

C: I have to have blood tests quite frequently because I have an underactive thyroid. So, I have to have a blood test at least twice a year or at least once a year. So, I’m fine with that, and having the blood test is worse than actually having the injection.

VW: Absolutely.

C: Yes, so pain-free and, you know, it’s…

VW: And you might make some new friends at the vaccination centre.

C: Definitely, yes.

VW: Brilliant. Thank you. That is amazing. Thank you, Cheryl.

C: That’s okay.

VW: Bye-bye. Thank you.