A newly-retired head teacher who is volunteering at a Covid-19 vaccination site with her writer husband has described the experience as ‘extremely rewarding’.
Sally MacDonald aged 60, and her husband Alan MacDonald, 62, volunteer together every week at the King’s Meadow Campus vaccination service in Lenton.
The pair decided to volunteer at the site to do their bit in the fight against Covid-19 and help with the roll out of the vaccination programme locally.
So far, Sally and Alan have taken on a variety of different roles at the site including greeting people, answering questions and checking people in for their appointments.
Sally, who is the former head teacher at Greythorn Primary School in West Bridgford, said: “After retiring in December, I started thinking about what I could do to help and that’s when Alan and I decided we wanted to volunteer as something to do and way to help support the programme.
“We’ve really enjoyed volunteering so far. It’s lovely to see other people and you feel like you’re part of a huge team effort. There’s not a lot we can do at the moment apart from sticking to the rules so this really allows us to make a positive contribution. It’s extremely rewarding and really is the highlight of our week.
“The site itself is really well organised and safe. Everyone follows the guidance. There is an overwhelming sense of friendliness. Everyone is really lovely and welcoming.”
Sally added that despite spending a lot time with husband Alan because of lockdown, it has been enjoyable to work alongside him.
She said: “Like many couples, suddenly we’ve been together an awful lot especially since I’ve retired. We are both very quick to say we don’t need to work alongside each other and can go in different sections. We have had a laugh about it!
“It has worked well working with Alan though especially when he has greeted people on their arrival and I’ve been on the check-in desk because it adds a more personal feel.
“We volunteer at our church together so we’ve already had good practice working alongside each other.”
When it’s their turn, Sally and Alan will be coming forward to get their Covid-19 vaccination.
Sally added: “The minute we can get vaccinated, we will. I can’t wait until our age group is eligible.
“My advice for anyone who is currently eligible for vaccination is: go for it. The more of us who have it, the safer we can make it for everyone. We all need to work together to beat Covid-19 and having your vaccine is a massive way of doing this and for us all to get our lives back to normal.”
“To anyone thinking about volunteering, I would recommend it. The whole process to volunteer was really simple and straightforward and it’s great to have the opportunity.”
If you’re over 65, you can book your Covid-19 vaccine appointment now via the local booking site or call 0115 883 4640. Or call 119 to book an appointment at the Mansfield Vaccination Centre.
If you’re classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, you can book your Covid-19 vaccine appointment now via this link or call 0115 883 4640. Please note anyone in this category will need to bring their invitation letter or shielding letter as proof they are eligible for vaccination.
