From the diocesan social responsibility officer Revd Andrew Yates and Transformation Cornwall’s Jane Yeomans:

Volunteer Cornwall is one point of access to register interest in volunteering and is matching requests for help with people offering help. So far, over 2,000 volunteers have registered to offer help by filling in a form on Volunteer Cornwall’s website or emailing mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk.
If people are asking you how they can provide practical help, please do encourage them to register with Volunteer Cornwall, who are using their volunteers to support other VCSE bodies who need extra capacity.

Over 220 community groups have also registered to help, and it would be great if you could encourage new community groups being established in your area to register with Volunteer Cornwall. An additional benefit of creating a ‘single front door’ for volunteers in this way is that they are all issued with a single, easily recognisable letter identifying them as Key Workers, in case they have issues with police or other authorities questioning their right to be out and about, or vulnerable people who are rightly cautious about those offering help.

If people need help with shopping, collecting medicines or other practical help and support – and your organisation is unable to meet their need – you can request a volunteer by ringing 01872 265300 or emailing requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk. Arrangements are in place with local pharmacies to include prescription collection as part of the service.
Volunteer Cornwall will always follow up with the individual to ensure the volunteering has happened and their needs were met.