How the third sector could play a critical role in the vaccine rollout

Before the vaccine roll-out began we worried how it might exclude people disenfranchised by addiction. We asked…

  • How would those without homes receive letters or texts inviting them?
  • How could they travel to remote vaccination centres?
  • Would those without registered GPs slip through the net?
  • Were our community worried about misinformation surrounding the jab?
  • Would severe mental health issues prevent people from making appointments?

We published our concerns in VolteFace, where CEO Martin Blakebrough outlined how our clinical teams could play a critical role in vaccinating the most vulnerable in our community. We invited the BBC to cover the story…

Our campaign gathered momentum when Naloxone Man and Vaccine Woman recruited voices to join our campaign, from Labour Member of the Senedd for Newport East & Severnside John Griffiths to Chief Inspector Jason Kew.

Thank to John’s support the cause was on the Senedd Questions agenda and had the full support of Minister Eluned Morgan.

Thanks to the campaign, and hard work of our friends such as the Wallich and Cymorth, the government moved the homeless into a higher priority group.

Drop in vaccine clinics were set up across our GDAS bases, where our outreach teams worked together with NHS vaccination teams to protect our clients against COVID.