Volunteers wanted for Covid-19 vaccination centre in Newtown

The third centre in Powys opened at Maldwyn Leisure Centre on Wednesday (January 20), with 500 people expected to have been given their jab by the end of the day – and 2,000 expected to be immunised by the weekend.

And now, PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) is looking for support to roll out the vaccine in Powys.

“We are looking for more volunteers to support the Mass Vaccination Centre in Newtown. Can you help?,” tweeted PAVO.

On their website, the organisation added: “As a member of Mass Vaccination - Way finder Marshalls, you will provide guidance to visitors face to face at several points of the site.

“This guidance will enable visitors to flow through the site following signage and social distancing practices. The role requires you to reach out to visitors to support them to get to their intended destination within the grounds.”

PAVO are looking for volunteers with good communication skills, who are helpful, friendly and caring, and who have previous experience of working in a customer service environment.

Hefina Anwyl, from Staylittle, was one of the first people over the age of 80 to receive their first jab at the Newtown centre.

“There wasn’t a thing to it, didn’t feel a thing,” she said. “It was well organised, staff were very friendly, just a shame we can’t have a cup of tea too.”

Gwyn Owen, who works at the leisure centre, run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Powys County Council, tweeted: “@MaldwynLC @FreedomLeisure is honoured to welcome & support @PTHBhealth @PowysCC with its mass vaccination site #newtown #powys. Great team work to pull this together in just 2 wks ....well done everyone.”

The rota to cover shifts at the Newtown centre are available from 8am-8.30pm seven days per week.

If you’d like to register to become a volunteer, visit the PAVO website at powys.volunteering-wales.net/vk/volunteers/. Alternatively you can email volunteering@pavo.org.uk or phone 01597 822191.