A CALL has gone out for volunteers to join Basildon, Billericay and Wickford's Volunteer Network – with the appeal organisers saying the benefit from joining in is very much a two way street.

As well as helping others, becoming a volunteer at projects like helping at local vaccination centres is a way of helping yourself, they say.

In particular, it will help beat any feelings of isolation – particularly those caused by the pandemic.

The Network is currently looking for volunteer marshalls to support GP led vaccination sites in Basildon and Billericay.

Volunteers will be required to marshall the car parks, direct traffic flow and signpost customers to the signing in area and will be provided with the use of a high vis jacket. Face masks made available on request.

The Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Volunteer Network Volunteer Network is delivered by Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Service (BBW CVS). BBW CVS is an independent registered charity which has been in operation for over 30 years to promote, support and represent a thriving, effective voluntary and community sector in the borough.

The Volunteer Network's aim is to build an offer of safe and appropriate volunteer opportunities that those wishing to volunteer can connect with. More widely it also serves to help build a thriving community.

A spokesperson said: "The Network offer is varied. We want to make sure there are opportunities for everyone, whether you want to volunteer for a specific cause or organisation for a period of time, volunteer as a one-off, or connect with local community members to share some skills. Whatever your preference, hopefully we have, or can help you find, something that suits you.

"The Volunteer Network is very much a partnership. We work with a wide range of third sector organisations and groups as well as Basildon Council and Essex County Council. We are also part of Essex CVS and the Essex Time Bank Network."

You can find out more via this link