On March 11 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined a video call to thank NHS Volunteer Responders and St John Ambulance Vaccination Volunteers in Rochdale and Cornwall.

Recognising the incredible effort of volunteers in vaccination centres across the country, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank individuals for their hard work and was taken on virtual tours of sites.

"It was a privilege to speak to NHS Volunteer Responders and St John Ambulance Vaccination Volunteers in Rochdale and Cornwall today, to thank them for their extraordinary contribution to the vaccine rollout. Our brilliant volunteers have helped us get jabs into arms quickly and efficiently – providing millions of people with the reassurance that they are protected against the virus. We couldn’t do it without them, and I am incredibly grateful for their continued dedication and hard work."

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

For the first part of the call, the Prime Minister was introduced to NHS Volunteer Responder Stewards at the One Riverside vaccination site in Rochdale. Steward Volunteers play a vital role on site, guiding people to make sure the vaccination process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They also help ensure social distancing and identify people who need additional support.

The NHS Volunteer Responders scheme is delivered for the NHS by Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app and has recently announced that volunteers across all roles have completed a milestone 1.5m tasks.

The second half of the call saw the Prime Minister speak to and thank St John Ambulance vaccination volunteers at the Truro Showground in Stithians.

St John Ambulance is supporting the NHS COVID-19 response, including providing volunteer vaccinators to deliver injections and many more volunteers who care for people before and after they receive their jabs.

For further information

To become a local volunteer search for volunteering opportunities in your area. Or help make a difference by making a secure online donation.

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