People who belong to the coronavirus risk group should avoid everyday errands as much as possible. The Oldenburg AStA team offers help by organising volunteers to support senior citizens and people with pre-existing conditions.
Going shopping, picking up medication from the pharmacy or taking the dog for a walk: In times of coronavirus, everyday tasks for senior citizens or people with pre-existing conditions are associated with a high risk of becoming infected and falling seriously ill. The General Students' Committee (AStA) at the University of Oldenburg has launched a "solidarity campaign" to help those affected. The AStA connects people from at-risk groups with volunteers who take on these everyday tasks for them. The volunteers themselves decide what kind of support they offer.
The idea for the campaign came to the AStA members a few weeks ago. "We asked ourselves how we could best help students at the university and people from Oldenburg. Similar campaigns in Germany then inspired us," says AStA spokesperson Max Wevelsiep. The campaign was organised within a few days and a permanent team of five people processed the requests from people seeking help and volunteers as quickly as possible.
Spread the word, please!
Around 250 helpers have now registered with the AStA. Anyone can support the campaign, even without formal registration. "It's difficult to reach people who don't have access to the internet with our appeals. That's why we are happy to hear from anyone who can make people from at-risk groups aware of our offer," emphasises Wevelsiep.
Anyone who would like to get involved can contact soli@asta-oldenburg.de or 01573 4869 332. The AStA requires the following information for the referral: Contact details, a reference to the neighbourhoods and time slots that are suitable for the helpers, as well as the type of help offered. People who need support can also contact the AStA in this way.
