South Wales Fire and Rescue Service volunteer to transport isolated members of the community to vaccination centres

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service volunteer to transport isolated members of the community to vaccination centres

From today (18th March 2021), staff within the Service’s Fleet and Engineering Department are volunteering to support Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) via charity, Age Connects Morgannwg, to transport isolated members of our communities to their vaccination appointments.

Two of our Service vehicles will be used to drive those without access to transport to the Community Vaccination Centres in a contact-free service. Volunteers will be required to wear masks throughout the journey and have been supplied with safety packs to sanitise the vehicles between journeys to keep themselves and their passengers safe.

Additional volunteer roles will be supported by members of staff across the Service to fulfil duties such as reception, administration and meeting and greeting people for their appointments across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The easing of restrictions from ‘Stay Home’ to ‘Stay Local’ lockdown across Wales means more people will be able to meet outside, businesses will soon start re-opening and people will return to employment and children to schools. It is expected that our support will increase over the next few weeks in line with these changes. The initial request for support from the Service was for a three month period starting in mid-March.

The health and safety of those assisting is paramount and they will now be programmed to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations. This support will be delivered in the existing spirit of partnership and collaboration shared across the emergency service family in Wales. Together we are united in our dedication to be there for our communities and keep the people we serve safe.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to closely monitor all guidance and advice issued by the Welsh Government, UK Government and Public Health Wales in relation to Covid-19.