How to get support safely
Last updated: 8 April, 2020
Many people need support during coronavirus. Getting support safely means you can:
Data protection
If a volunteer calls at your home, ask for ID. Only give them information when you have seen their ID. Genuine volunteers have been instructed not to enter your home.
To be able to support you, the volunteer may need to know some personal information about you, for example your:
address
phone number
family details
medical information
Only give them the minimum information they need to complete the service. Do not feel any pressure to give any information you do not feel comfortable giving.
Do not share any:
bank details
credit or debit card numbers
PINs
passwords
The volunteer's responsibility
Volunteers must not share your details with anyone.
Contact the organisation they’re volunteering through if you think they have:
asked for personal information they do not need
shared your personal information with somebody they shouldn’t have
breached any other data protection laws
If you are concerned about anyone who approaching you claiming to be a volunteer, do not speak to them.
Report serious suspicious behaviour to the police.
Withholding your phone number
If a volunteer does not need to have your phone number, dial 141 before the number you call.
Equality
You may get support from anyone that a group or organisation has matched to help you. Treat them with respect, whatever their background or beliefs
Do not:
exclude or treat people differently because of their background or beliefs
ignore any unacceptable behaviour towards others – report this to the group who the person is volunteering for
Report serious unacceptable behaviour to the police.
Share your story
Do you have a story about how your community has come together to support each other?
We'd love to share your story on our website to encourage other people to get or offer support.