Following the latest Government announcement regarding a further national lockdown, we’ve had another look at the way we work and operate here at Wetherby and District Foodbank.
This is what we’re doing to keep our volunteers, clients and anyone we come into contact with, safe:
We’re confident that the latest risk assessments and operating protocols we completed last year are still appropriate and will allow us to continue to operate safely. We have, however, changed some aspects of the way we work.
We’ve reminded all our volunteers of our Covid protocols and that these should be adhered to across all parts of the foodbank: at the Warehouse, the Distribution Centre as well as during deliveries, collections and drop-offs. Preventing the transmission of the virus depends on four key protocols, which we are all familiar with by now:
Social distancing
Good ventilation
Regular hand washing
Wearing of face coverings
Given the increased transmissibility of the latest strains of the coronavirus, all volunteers will wear suitable face coverings at all times and in all parts of our operation. Correctly worn face coverings provide safety as well as reassurance for all our volunteers, clients and members of the general public.
In addition, we’ve changed the way we organise volunteer shifts at the Warehouse and at the Barleyfields Distribution Centre. Household groups or support bubbles will now volunteer together on shifts wherever possible.
Anyone visiting us at our drop-in sessions between 10am and 11am on a Tuesday and Friday should wear a mask, make sure they follow social distancing and make use of the hand sanitiser on the table at the entrance. The double doors to the Distribution centre will remain open throughout the session. To best access the wide range of advice we offer and to benefit from signposting to other organisations, we want to encourage clients to stay and chat to a member of the foodbank team. There is a perspex screen in place to help ensure everyone stays safe while doing so.
The foodbank trustees meet online every week in order to review and plan in the light of any developments or changes in government guidelines.
Please, everyone, stay safe and healthy!
