Cosyfeet have teamed up with Crisis at Christmas in an urgent call for volunteer podiatrists in London, Newcastle and Edinburgh this Christmas. Could you work a few shifts from December 23rd to 29th this year?
Crisis welcomed a total of 4,594 guests in 2015, all of whom have much less opportunity for foot care than the rest of the population and yet have far greater demands on their feet. The results can be debilitating and painful. 579 of those guests benefited from the Crisis Podiatry service, which was run by just 64 volunteers.
This year, Crisis are hoping to attract even more volunteers, to treat even more people in need. They are seeking qualified podiatrists to treat their guests, and podiatry students or foot health practitioners to help run the service by welcoming guests and preparing them for treatment.
The Crisis Podiatry Service provides a range of treatments and foot care advice for guests, mainly treating corns and calluses, mycotic and gryphotic nails, blistering and maceration.
London volunteers meet at the Crisis Hub at the start of each shift to be briefed and assigned to a team. Transport is provided to and from treatment centres between December 23rd and December 29th. Shift times will be 8.30am to 6.00pm. Clinics run from 10am to 5.00pm.
Volunteers are also required in Edinburgh and Newcastle on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Independent foot health practitioner, Dorothy Thwaites, has experience of volunteering as an assistant podiatrist for Crisis in Edinburgh. She comments:
“Christmas can be a lonely time for so many people. It’s great to step out of your comfort zone and do your bit to help. We’re all connected after all, so it’s good to be supportive of one another."
For further information, contact the Crisis at Christmas Services Team by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 0300 636 1000.
Cosyfeet supports Crisis each year by donating socks to users of the volunteer podiatry service, and by appealing for volunteers from the podiatry community.