Coronavirus-Can You Help?

​From Dorset Council- We know that many people in our communities want to help and we want to harness that goodwill - we are going to need it. We are working with public sector partners and charities across Dorset to respond to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
 I want to help - who do I contact?
If you want to help but are not sure where to start, register with the Dorset Volunteering Centre in the first instance. Click the button below to visit the page and register.

Register at Volunteer Dorset

I know someone who needs help - who do I contact?
Age UK (North, South and West Dorset) are coordinating requests for help with issues relating to loneliness and isolation, or support in accessing items such as food, cash or medication.

To request help email: enquiries@ageuknswd.org.ukor call 01305 269444

Each request will be individually assessed and categorised according to the individual’s level of need.

Volunteering - things to think about
Before considering volunteering, ask yourself if you are well enough to volunteer and think about the following:

Try and work as a pair, this will alleviate some concerns about safeguarding and offer protection for yourself and the person you're helping
Always tell someone where you're going and when you anticipate returning
Carry a mobile phone with you
Try to volunteer in daylight hours only
Carry a torch with you if you can’t avoid volunteering in the dark
Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away at all times - this reduces the risk of potential infection to yourself and the person you're helping
Avoid entering the home of the person you're helping
Don't take credit cards from individuals, and keep any receipts for items purchased on behalf of others
Photograph all receipts and purchases for your records
Don't assume that someone needs help or call at a house unexpectedly - anxieties are high at the moment and people need to follow guidance with regards to opening their front doors, especially if they are self-isolating
Consider dropping a note through the door as a first offer of help (but wash your hands before doing so)
Don't get disheartened if a volunteering role is not found for you immediately - the response to this crisis is growing daily and the volunteering response will grow with it
Only assist with activities which have been risk assessed - if you're asked to carry out a different activity, contact your volunteer coordinator / voluntary group for guidance
Always put yourself in the shoes of the person you're helping, ask how you would like to be treated if the situation was reversed
For your peace of mind and that of people you support, a DBS check may be required for some activity – check with the Volunteer Centre

​For more information and links relating to the above topics, please click on the links below

Dorset Council Community Response

Volunteering and getting support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak