Making The Most Of Furlough Time

While on furlough, Jonathan Chesnay, Home House’s Front Of House Assistant, responded to our Smarter Giving Manager’s call out for volunteers and registered to work with St Mary’s Hospital.

The process, he says, was quick and efficient, and within 24 hours of applying, Jonathan had completed both an interview and training – all via Zoom. With DBS checks taking just a week, Jonathan picked up 2 to 3 four and half hour shifts per week, so really easy (his words!).

Beginning with the distribution of donated cleaning and personal hygiene products to patients, Jonathan moved onto helping feed hungry NHS workers and delivering 300 free hot lunches donated every day. Plus, over 20,000 boxes of Dettol, which had been donated for use by NHS staff at St Mary’s, were shared, too.

NHS staff can pick up three free items (snack bar, drink, crisps etc.) per shift at St Mary’s charity shop where Jonathan is helping manage stock and distribution.

Never coming in contact with the Covid19 ward or patients, Jonathan is enjoying doing his bit for the community and helping make the lives of the NHS staff at St Mary’s just that little bit nicer and easier, and is enjoying the almost car-free cycle ride from home in Elephant and Castle to St Mary’s, which, with all his running around the hospital, is keeping him fit, too!

If you’d like to get involved with the community and help out while on furlough, please contact our Smarter Giving Manager, Kate, who will make introductions for you.