Common Questions & Answers:
How will volunteers and community action make any difference?
Our pandemic planning is based on trying to prevent everyone getting sick at the same time. Volunteers will help to prevent health and other services from becoming overloaded. This means health professionals will be able to care for the small proportion of people who become very unwell and need medical help.
If I work as a volunteer, what does it mean for me? What about my family?
As a volunteer you will be provided with information about how to keep yourself safe. Basic training/induction will be offered for specific roles. If you are asked to go into an unusually infective area you will be supplied with protective equipment and given instruction on how to safely use the equipment e.g. face-masks. In the course of your work as a volunteer you will be encouraged to pay more attention to basics like hand-hygiene and keeping one metre away from sick people. Remember that taking care of basics things like hand washing is still your best defence.
If I have pre-existing health conditions can I still help?
Potentially individuals with pre-existing health conditions and/or women who are pregnant, may face added complications if they get the flu. These individuals are probably most suited to roles without direct contact with known infection. These individuals can still volunteer and help out in roles where there is no direct contact with sick people.
Who can access my information if I register?
Information collected on the volunteer self-registration website will be used by those health, local authority, civil defence and other agencies coordinating the response to the current pandemic.
Information will be stored securely. Unless you tell us specifically that you are willing to be contacted in future events, information will be used only in coordinating a volunteer response to the current pandemic.
When will I be contacted?
It will depend on the need in the community and how many volunteers there are. Once you’ve volunteered we’ll keep you informed by email.
What hours / days of the week are involved?
We will fit in around your availability. If there are days or times you’re not available, please indicate on the registration form.
Can I specify what services I am prepared to provide?
Yes, the registration form lists a range of services. You can tick as many or as few as you feel comfortable with.
Will I be paid?
As this is a volunteer service there will be no payment.
If I register as a volunteer how will I be contacted?
Local council staff and Civil Defence volunteers will be working alongside local health teams to coordinate the response. You can expect a phone call from one of these people when you are required.
What geographic areas does this web site cover?
It covers the areas from Kaikoura to Ashburton and has been developed to support the Canterbury District Health Board’s response to the pandemic.
Christchurch City Council Civil defence recruitment.
The Christchurch City Council is always looking for volunteers to help in emergencies and Civil Defence disasters. If you would like to register to train as a volunteer please go to
www.ccc.govt.nz/cdem/Volunteers/.