I want to help
1. Volunteering
Pause in new volunteer registrations
It is fantastic to see that so many people are keen to help their local community during this time and we are redeploying some of our staff to help.
Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead (VARB) is coordinating and supporting volunteers - linking them with local organisations that need help.
Due to the fantastic community response they have received, VARB has paused new volunteer registrations for now. This is so they can focus on matching the 888 registered volunteers with requests for support and volunteering opportunities to help with the COVID-19 response.
To protect the vulnerable people in our community, it is important we ensure this is managed carefully and that the necessary safeguarding checks are made.
If you have already registered to volunteer, thank you – VARB will keep you updated on requests for help.
If you want to help out, but have not yet registered, please think about ways you could support your neighbours or friends and family. This could be through a friendly phone call, an offer to pick up shopping or dropping off food portions.
If you are a local group or organisation that needs volunteers, please contact info@varb.org.uk or call 01737 763156.
VARB has a range of useful resources and guidance to support local volunteer groups on their website.
Already volunteering?
If you are providing (or planning to provide) a community support service in Reigate and Banstead, or you know of such a service, please complete the COVID-19 Community Support Services in Reigate & Banstead online form.
Avoiding scams
Whilst the vast majority of people offering help are genuine, a small minority will be using this situation to exploit and potentially harm vulnerable people. By using established organisations we reduce the likelihood of our residents being exposed to potential harm. Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid scams.