VOLUNTEERS from St John Ambulance Cymru are ramping up efforts to get people Covid vaccinated.

The charity's volunteers have given over 2,650 hours of support to the vaccination programme since January and the charity has spent many more upskilling hundreds of their volunteers to respond and deliver care in communities during the pandemic.

Volunteer efforts are increasing in North Wales at mass vaccination centres in Llandudno and Deeside - with over 75 hours of volunteer hours has been given to the programme in the area since support began in mid-April.

Former Ysbyty Enfys sites are providing bases for the vaccination centres where St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers maintain their partnership alongside British Red Cross, delivering post vaccination care and administrative support.

The charities have been working together to keep services running smoothly at vaccination centres since early 2021.

St John Ambulance volunteers.

St John Ambulance volunteers.

St John Ambulance Cymru, assistant chief volunteer for North Wales, Darren Murray, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the NHS in Wales and our partners to support this vital programme.

“We’ve stepped in when needed making sure people get the care they need, quickly.

“The vaccination programme is one of the largest challenges we’ve faced as a charity in our 103-year history but the hope we’ve seen in people’s eyes as they come to the centres continues to inspire us.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our support in Llandudno, Deeside and North Wales more widely in the coming weeks and months.”

Vaccination care volunteer, Stephen More, said: “It’s been a privilege to be a part of the vaccination programme in Wales.

“We’ve been welcomed with open arms by the teams in North Wales and it’s been great to be working together on such an important project.

“Being a part of such an historic event is an experience I’ll never forget.”

Volunteers are working as part of a vaccination team lead by staff at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board providing help and care to people after their vaccination when needed.

Gill Harris, executive director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are grateful to all the volunteers who are playing a leading role in the vaccination programme in North Wales.

“We have seen thousands of people from the NHS, trade unions, local authorities, the emergency services and the military involved in the huge roll-out that is massively supported by hundreds of volunteers, including St John Ambulance Cymru, to ensure that it is delivered as quickly and as effectively as possible.”

More information about St John Ambulance Cymru, their work in Welsh communities or to make a donation to go to: www.sjacymru.org.uk