#Chances4Children: Youth group step-up to support vaccine programme in Slough

Around 30 volunteers from the Aik Saath - Together As One group  have been supporting the roll out of the vaccine to over 80s at the Salt Hill Vaccination Centre.

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The young volunteers aged 16 to 19, have worked hard in roles including marshalling the car park, taking patient details, handing out PPE, directing patients to vaccine stations, cleaning down surfaces and observing vaccinated patients for any adverse side-effects

Bilal Jehangir, 16, who is taking part in the programme, said: "This pandemic has been challenging for all of us. I feel lucky to have the ability to help the older people in our community to receive the vaccine. I have had first hand experience with the virus, taking both of my grandparents from us in April last year. I believe wholeheartedly that we will get through this together as one, as a community.”

Kirthana Balachandra, 17, added: "Volunteering at the vaccination centre has been a wonderful opportunity and an unforgettable experience. I've really enjoyed getting involved in the community and developing my communication skills."

Rob Deeks, chief executive Officer at Aik Saath - Together As One, praised the volunteers’ “fantastic work”.

He said: "They are incredibly proud to be playing an active role in the roll out of the vaccine. Many of them have had their lives turned upside down by the crisis, so it means even more to them, to be a part of efforts to end this. We want to thank the NHS and everyone involved in the vaccination centre for believing in the young people and seeing their potential, the same way we do."