Can you spare a few hours each week to volunteer at Rugby's rapid testing centre?

Rugbeians are being asked if they can spare three or four hours a week to help the fight against the virus
Rugby Indian Association, where the testing is being done.Rugby Indian Association, where the testing is being done.
Rugby Indian Association, where the testing is being done.

Volunteers are being sought to help the fight against covid-19 at Rugby's community testing centre in the Indian Association building on Edward Street.

The centre uses lateral flow kits to test around 2,000 people without symptoms each week - a process aimed at spotting that third of covid positive people who carry the virus without symptoms.

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The volunteer role involves front of house activities such as meeting and registering customers on arrival and guiding them safely through the site.

The tests are self-administered so volunteers are not directly involved in the testing process.

Volunteers are trained and given access to PPE. Undertaking the role is considered an essential reason to leave home at the moment and all volunteers will be given key worker letters.

Shifts at the centre last four hours during the week and three hours at weekends, with the minimum commitment for volunteers being one shift a week.

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The community testing service now operates from six sites across the county.

Gill Mann, a volunteer from Bedworth, said: “I really enjoy going into the site.

"Everyone is friendly and it's great to feel part of such a supportive team.

"I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and it's helped my wellbeing over lockdown to be a part of this initiative."

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If you could spare a few hours and would like to be involved, you can fill in the enquiry form at tinyurl.com/y28jbkrdWarwickshire County Council is responsible for the community testing service with the volunteering element being managed by its community partner Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA).

For more volunteering opportunities in the county please visit www.wcav.org.uk

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