6 Counties Volunteer Guidelines

**Last updated on Wednesday 15th April 2020**

Why is the GAA involved in Covid-19 response?

The GAA is Ireland’s largest sporting and community association with a footprint into every community in the country. In light of the unprecedented challenges facing us in responding to Covid-19 the public health authorities and governments in both jurisdictions have turned to the GAA to assist in the community-based response.

These efforts are focused on supporting those most vulnerable to and most impacted by the virus – older people, those suffering from an underlying condition, and those living alone and forced to cocoon (without a family network immediately available to support them), or other members of the community who may require some practical assistance at this time.

Ulster GAA Covid-19 Community Response Schemes

In the 6 counties the pathway to register GAA Covid-19 Community Response schemes is through VOLUNTEER NOW. Delivery is likely to be via local authorities, though this is still to be confirmed. Shortly Ulster GAA expects to see the publication of an over-arching Action Plan detailing the agreed structures and charting the pathway for moving forward.

When established, GAA clubs will be asked to register their Covid-19 Community Response with VOLUNTEER NOW. GAA members volunteering as an individual will be asked to register their willingness to volunteer with VOLUNTEER NOW also. As this is emerging advice, further detail will follow in the coming days. www.volunteernow.co.uk

In the meantime, GAA units can continue to operate local response schemes, provided that they firstly inform the GAA Risk & Insurance Dept. by emailing sinead.leavy@gaa.ie; and ensuring their scheme is operating as per the guidelines below. Ulster GAA should also be notified by contacting maura.mcmenamin.ulster@gaa.ie and your county liaison person (details below)

What’s required from GAA clubs in the 6 counties?

• Before undertaking your Covid-19 Community Response scheme refer to guidelines for groups on how to set-up a scheme: https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/04/Involving-Volunteers-Covid-19.pdf
• Register any Covid-19 Community Response scheme that clubs are coordinating with their county liaison person, as above.
• Assign a club Covid-19 Community Response co-ordinator/team to act as a central contact and to maintain records of all volunteers and relevant contact information

Tasks of a GAA Covid-19 Community Volunteer

Below is a list of the types of services which a GAA volunteer can undertake. These duties include the GAA Club Together initiative with SuperValu and Centra:

1. Collection and Delivery – Food, essential household items, fuel, medication in line with guidance
2. Meals and their delivery

A GAA volunteer role will NOT include providing home-help, medical care, mental health services, counselling or care assistance and you should not take on these roles. Requests for such supports should be immediately referred/directed to your Club Covid-19 Response Co-ordinator who will pass it onto the County Secretary

Recruitment details for the role

• Volunteers should be GAA members unless directed to the club through the official networks of Volunteer Now
• Volunteers must be aged 18+
• Carefully choose members deemed suitable to work in any club-coordinated Covid-19 community response, and share the following information with them: https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/04/Volunteer-Guidelines-When-Volunteering-Covid-19.pdf
• Make sure all Covid-19 volunteers are issued a copy of this document
• Volunteers required to use their own transport must have a valid Driver’s licence and insurance
• GAA volunteers fulfilling the roles outlined above should already be cleared through Ulster GAA Access NI Vetting Process and possess a GAA Vetting Acceptance Letter. If anyone is volunteering for these roles within the club who has not yet been vetted through this process, they must complete the vetting process prior to commencement of role by following the guidelines at https://ulster.gaa.ie/safeguarding/access-ni/

Motor insurance advice

To fulfil collection & delivery roles volunteers will require use of personal transport. Advice from Association of British Insurers is that motorists will not need to extend existing use cover. However, all volunteers are advised to contact their own insurance company or broker to confirm.

GAA Covid-19 Community Volunteers should:

• Prioritise your own wellbeing and stay informed of current advice from public health authorities in order to protect yourself and others from the spread of Covid-19. See here: https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/04/Volunteer-Guidelines-When-Volunteering-Covid-19.pdf
• Do not volunteer if you are experiencing any potential Covid-19 symptoms or if you are in any way unwell
• Adhere to social distancing and personal hygiene protocols when fulfilling your duties
• Ensure any persons you are assisting are aware of contact details for the Club Covid-19 Response Co-ordinator. Best practice would be to inform persons in receipt of support how that support will be given in advance
• Maintain good records of your activities (when required to call, frequency of visits, etc.)
• If delivering to persons living on their own volunteers should, if possible, operate a buddying system while maintaining social distancing protocols
• Report any concerns regarding the person’s health, safety or welfare to your Club Covid-19 Response Co-ordinator
• Be patient and understanding and display a friendly attitude to those you are assisting
• Respect the confidentiality of the persons requiring support and of all records with which you come into contact
• Always follow the directions and guidance of stores when undertaking shopping/delivery activities
• GAA volunteers should not be required to handle cash on behalf of a third party
• Avail of hand sanitising stations available in stores/pharmacies when collecting items
• At all times drive in a careful manner observing the rules of the road
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces or objects used
• Do not enter any person’s home, deliveries are to be left outside homes/door
• Be mindful that many vulnerable persons will not be able to lift heavy bags/boxes so items left should be easily accessible
• Do not call to a person’s door unannounced
• Wear club/county or GAA branded clothing whilst undertaking tasks to make yourself more readily identifiable to those you are assisting