THERE is a lot of misinformation online about the Covid-19 pandemic, and many people are uncertain where to go for the truth.

And so one charity has started a network group to help spread up-to-date information about the coronavirus.

Spark Somerset, based in Hambridge, has offered Somerset residents the chance to become Covid Community Champions, to help combat the spread of misinformation.

And one volunteer - Rachel Wyldes - said she "loves" being part of the group.

Somerset County Gazette: Rachel Wylds, Covid Community Champion at Spark Somerset

"The group was recommended to me by Somerset County Council (SCC) as I was setting up as a micro-provider (someone who is self-employed to provide home care to people but registered and accredited by SCC).

"It was a purely selfish reason that I joined (to get a certificate and help with my job) but actually I really love it.

"It is really interesting and I get to see people and catch up when we have meetings.

"Helen, from Spark Somerset, puts us into little chat rooms on Zoom with four or six of us so we get to know everybody and have a bit of a catch up.

"The idea is that we learn and then can go into the community or workplace and then pass on the information.

"People are frightened to have the vaccine and our job is to learn the correct information to reassure people.

"The main thing Helen says is ‘even if we just speak to one person that’s okay it doesn’t matter’, there’s no pressure.

"We are also given a lot of information to refer people onto the correct people if they are struggling with something. We are basically helping people by talking."

During the sessions, Rachel and the other volunteers learn about a various range of topics, from vaccine science to home schooling.

Some of the facts the group has learnt so far include:

• Even if you have had two doses of the vaccine, the guidance is still to stay home and following social distancing guidelines.

• Lateral Flow Testing is good at identifying those who are infectious, but not as good at identifying those who have the virus but aren't infectious yet. And so Lateral Flow Tests should be used twice a week.

There are around 80 volunteers at the moment and Spark Somerset are aiming to get more than 100 people to sign up. The programme is funded by SCC and in partnership with SASP. 

To find out more visit sparkachange.org.uk.