A new campaign aimed at providing simple information about COVID-19 is launching in Richmond upon Thames – and the Council is encouraging residents to take part.
The COVID-19 Community Information Champions scheme hopes to recruit individuals who live or work in the borough and want to help others stay safe and informed.
Volunteers are kept up to date with the latest COVID-19 information and guidance, including the roll out of the vaccine programme.
Previous experience is not required, and volunteers will be given instructions from the Council, its Public Health team and the NHS.
Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said:
“This network of volunteers will be instrumental in helping those harder to reach people have accurate information about COVID-19 and the vaccine programme. Unfortunately, fake news can cost lives and this network will help counter this.
Jane Barlow/PA Wire
“This programme has proved successful in other areas of the country. We are doing our best to share as much information as possible across our own channels – but it’s never as effective as someone you trust giving you the information you need to stay safe.”
Dr Patrick Gibson, GP Borough Lead for Richmond, added:
“You don’t need any special qualifications or to know the right people to be a Community Champion, you just need to have strong roots in our communities with lots of local friends, links or contacts so you can help keep us everyone up to date with the latest guidance and how we’re getting on rolling out vaccinations.”
You can sign up here: https://www.richmond.gov.uk/covid_community_champions
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