Covid-19 Testing Centre Opens In Colchester
A new fast testing centre is opening in Colchester for those who DO NOT have symptoms of Covid-19. Colchester residents with no symptoms are being encouraged to get tested to help reduce the spread of the virus and the pressure it is putting on hospitals and the care system.
There is also a call for volunteers to help with the fight against COVID-19 which you can read below.
The new Colchester Testing Centre is situated at Leisure World Colchester, Cowdray Avenue, CO1 1YH and will be operational from Saturday 16 January 2021. This centre offers new and fast Lateral Flow Tests, ONLY for people for who DO NOT have symptoms and gives results in around 30 minutes.
How To Book a Test
Tests are by appointment only and bookings should be made online. Anyone booking should live in Colchester. You can book a test here. Booking online is the quickest and most effective option for residents seeking a Lateral Flow Test.
If you’re not able to book using the online form, you can call 0333 772 6144 to arrange an appointment. Lines are open from 8 am to 8 pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday. You can also email: [email protected] and a member of staff will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Anyone WITH symptoms should book a test via the NHS Test and Trace App, or here.
For further information on the national lockdown please visit: National lockdown: Stay at Home – GOV.UK.
Stay Home | Save Lives | Protect The NHS
Your Community Needs You – Urgent Call out for Specialist Volunteers
Community360 is calling for volunteers to help support all partners to care for our loved ones, as the NHS and other colleagues struggle with the discharge of patients from hospital to their homes and to help with their recovery process.
Volunteers are urgently needed to help with all areas of support from domiciliary care to specialist rehabilitation; even just providing a listening ear and supporting care homes who are in need of extra help would help out.
They are urgently looking for a very wide range of skills!
They want occupational therapists, physiotherapists, personal trainers and sports exercise/injury personnel to help with motivation and rehabilitation. Carers, catering and chefs to administration and clerical professions.
All could play a part in helping the recovery of patients in their own homes. If you have been furloughed or retired recently and would like to use your free time to volunteer in Colchester, you could be just what they are looking for. They urgently need expert skills to support the local community, and your friends and family.
Workforce shortages have been exacerbated due to the coronavirus outbreak but have grown further as people have had to isolate, become sick or stay at home to look after their children and loved ones.
Tracy Rudling, CEO at Community360 said:
We need you! Never more than now do we all need to pull together and our system colleague needs your help and support! If you are recently retired or furloughed, or just have spare time, please consider volunteering to help patients rehabilitation. This could be from doing some simple tasks such as cooking meals and cleaning for someone to helping with exercise and motivation.
Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and sports personnel are experts in motivating people and whilst our NHS are treating the sickest of people in a hospital setting, you could help discharged patients do their exercises set by their physios or occupational therapists once they are home to make sure they get the best chance of recovery. We know many people are living on their own and will rely on this support.
Match your skills to real needs
If you have specialist skills and would like to use them to support a good cause, we can match you to the right volunteering opportunity and make it easy and rewarding for you to give back. You will be part of a team and could really make a difference to the local population.
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the incredible support our valued network of inspiring volunteers provides has never been more important. If you feel you can join our family of volunteers who are continuing to make a positive difference and help local communities across Colchester at this difficult time, we would love to hear from you.”
The CCG are happy to provide training and PPE to keep everyone safe while helping others. Anyone interested can apply directly 01206 505250 or go to Volunteer Essex.