Daytime television host Lorraine Kelly has revealed she has signed up as an NHS volunteer to help anyone struggling through the coronavirus chaos that is currently gripping the UK and rest of the world.
The 60-year-old won’t be joining doctors, nurses and other medical staff on the front line though, instead lending an ear to those who want to talk.
The ITV regular said on TalkRadio: “I am not very practical but having said that I can talk a lot, as you know.
“It would be a good thing, if anyone is feeling low or just wants someone to talk to or more important, just someone to listen, I can do that.
Lorraine Kelly has signed up as an NHS volunteer to talk to vulnerable or elderly people to combat loneliness (Image: SplashNews.com)
“We can all be at the end of the phone.”
Lorraine went on: “I know there is negativity but I really believe the vast, overwhelming majority of people are decent good people who just want to help.”
The NHS has been looking for volunteers to help them in the battle against coronavirus.
People that want to help out must be over the age of 18 and in good health, showing no COVID-19 symptoms, which include a fever and a dry persistent cough.
Lorraine is used to talking to the nation on her ITV morning show (Image: ITV)
They must also pass an enhanced DBS check.
Those that sign up can help in a number of different ways, including delivering medicine from pharmacies to people that are self-isolating, transporting patients that have been discharged back home, transporting health equipment and supplies between NHS sites and, like Lorraine, providing support calls for elderly and vulnerable people to combat the risk of loneliness.
There have so far been more than 400,000 Good Samaritans sign up as volunteers.
So far, more than 400,000 volunteers have signed up to help the NHS (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Matt Hancock, health secretary, said: “In these extraordinary times, it’s essential that we all pull together as part of the national effort to protect the most vulnerable, reduce pressures on our NHS and care system and save lives.”
Meanwhile, Nikki Kanani, the NHS director of primary care, said coronavirus is the biggest challenge the NHS has faced, which is why they “are rallying the troops and telling the public: your NHS needs you”.
Last night at 8pm, people stood out on the streets and clapped, cheered and made noise to thank the NHS and health workers for their invaluable work at the moment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
