A pool of ‘amazing’ volunteers are working to help thousands of Richmondshire people receive the Covid-19 vaccination, but more are needed at Tennants site.

Chairman of Richmondshire District Council, Councillor Clive World, has applauded the work of a fellow Richmond town councillor who has brought together more than 100 locals to marshall and support people attending the district’s vaccination centre based in Leyburn.

Ian Woods first got involved in the community response to the pandemic in March when he enlisted 60 people to call everyone on the shielding list at the GP practice in Quaker Lane, Richmond – making sure they understood the restrictions and if they needed help.

Through the pandemic he kept the original group on hand in case further help was needed. Once the vaccination centre was selected for Richmondshire, Heartbeat Alliance in conjunction with Richmondshire Primary Care Network, asked for help with stewards and marshalls to control pedestrian flow through the centre, offer support and be on hand for people attending.

"I knew I would be able to call upon my band of volunteers again," he said. “Of the initial 60 people I had working in March, 40 said they would do this. When I spread the net further I got another 66 people signed up to help. Unfortunately I have had to say no to some of them as we cannot risk anyone over the age of 70 doing this work, but I still have a band of about 70 people willing to help.”

The Leyburn clinic, based at Tennants, ran for two days before Christmas and is open again for three days from today (January 7).

“We have enough people to work the shifts this week but we need more to cope with the on going vaccination programme which as the vaccine becomes more widely available will become daily. Anyone that can help would be welcome to join us. We have a fantastic community spirit here and I cannot thank people enough.”

And Council Chairman, Councillor Clive World, added his thanks: “This is a fantastic community effort and one that we should applaud. These amazing Richmondshire people want to help each other in any way they can. This campaign could go on for months so I hope to see lots more people offer their help and support.”

To get involved email Ian on ian.woods@thornton-le-moor.co.uk

There are eight stewards needed per shift, from 8am until 12.30pm and from 12.30pm until 5pm. 

All appointments for vaccines are sent to residents by their GPs. They are asked not to turn up at the clinic without an appointment.