East Northants Council officer's 'selfless act' to become a volunteer vaccinator

An officer from East Northants Council has been praised for her 'selfless act' after becoming a volunteer vaccinator.

Emma Matthews, an officer at East Northamptonshire Council (ENC), has completed a St John Ambulance course to become a volunteer vaccinator and fight the pandemic, having worked closely with businesses over the past year who have been deeply impacted by coronavirus.

In her role as a licensing compliance officer, Emma works closely with publicans and taxi drivers, as well as those operating licensed animal related businesses, all of whom have been severely affected financially and otherwise by the pandemic.

And with her sister working long hours for the NHS too, Emma wanted to do more to help those she has met in her professional life, as well as personally.

Emma said: “I have been a first aider since 2010 and wanted to use my skills in a positive way - I had to help my sister and her colleagues, as well those businesses I have seen struggling.

"I studied hard to complete the online St John Ambulance and NHS training and then spent a day proving my knowledge, whilst learning how to administer the vaccine.

“Vaccination is the key which opens the door to me saying ‘yes, your business can re-open’ and is our way out of restrictions.

"It is the key to my sister and every other NHS and key worker being able to sit down and have a well-deserved rest.”

Cllr Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, added: “Emma really is an inspiration to us all, everyone at ENC has been working so hard for the past year to help residents and businesses through this tough time and Emma has gone one step further by volunteering to be a vaccinator.

"This really is a wonderful, selfless act which should be commended.”

Once Emma’s final screening checks have been completed by the St John Ambulance, she will be able to book her first shifts and start vaccinating.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer vaccinator, you can find out more here.

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