Westminster Connects volunteer Amanda: ‘the experience has been fantastic’

A VOLUNTEER scheme set up by Westminster City Council during the Covid-19 pandemic is supporting Afghan refugees.

Westminster Connects has been running for two years and has had more than 1,500 volunteers on its books.

One volunteer, Jason, has helped Rustam get access to health servces and clothes since he arrived from Afghanistan.

He said: “At the beginning of my stay, when I was in immense pain, Jason’s patience and persistence enabled me to receive emergency dental treatment.

“He also identified clothing needs, obtained free haircuts, advocated when a room change was required, connected me to a refurbished free laptop charity and much more.

“Nothing was too much trouble.

“We are very grateful for the genuine and heartfelt support.”

Rustam paid tribute to volunteer Jason, saying ‘nothing was too much trouble’

Jason, who has been supporting evacuees with the scheme, said: “I have found it inspiring working within a team coming from different Westminster City Council backgrounds and experience to form a dedicated Afghan response team within a matter of days of the Afghan refugee crisis.

“I have personally learnt a huge amount from my colleagues and interpreters. This opportunity and the last six months’ worth of experience will be immensely valuable in my future working life.”

Since the Westminster Connects service was created, volunteers have taken on a mix of roles including on the shopper service that delivers hot meals to those in temporary or sheltered accommodation.

Other tasks have included sewing masks for National Health Service staff, a “check in and chat” service for shielding residents and delivery of food parcels from North Paddington Food Bank.

One volunteer, Amanda, has helped in different roles on Covid-19 vaccine buses.

She said: “I have met lots of different people, whether they be workers or patients and every day is different.

“It has also felt good to feel that I was doing something useful. I will continue to volunteer on the vaccine bus as long as I am needed and hope to find an alternative after that.

“The experience has been fantastic.”

Cllr Heather Acton, cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: “Gifting donated hampers to vulnerable residents and hearing thanks from the NHS and Afghan evacuees has also been an enriching experience for me.”