A 'pop up' vaccine clinic set up at a church in Lee has proved to be a massive hit, and has been called "friendly, personalised and trustworthy."

The New Testament Church of God in Lee opened as a pop up vaccine centre on Saturday, March 27, run by NHS staff and volunteers.

Around 180 people were vaccinated at the clinic in Lewisham, which was held for members of the congregation and the local, eligible community.

The pop up clinic has since been heavily praised by users and directors alike, particularly for encouraging those in sections of the local population where vaccine uptake has struggled to go and get their jab.

Martin Wilkinson, Director of Integrated Care and Commissioning, Lewisham Council and NHS South East London CCG said: “We are very grateful to the church for accommodating the clinic.

"We know that uptake of the vaccine is not as high among some sections of our local population and anything we can do to make it easier for people to get their vaccine helps us all to be safe, lowers hospital admissions and means we will get back to a more normal way of living more quickly."

Mr Wilkinson added that they were now looking at setting up further ‘pop up’ clinics’ over the next few weeks.

Local resident, Hannah Kalakia said: “I am happy to get my vaccination. I liked coming to a church to have it done.

"I do not have a GP and now I am happy. I am looking forward to getting my second dose.”

Local resident, Mr Rob Cordell “I had been meaning to book for a while. I saw the post of what’s app come though and it prompted me to go ahead.

"The process felt more personalised when talking to a person rather than putting details into a computer. Added benefit, I could walk here. A very efficient, friendly service. Thank you.”

Dr Louis R McLeod OBE, Senior Pastor at New Testament Church of God said: “The feedback from members of the church and the community in general was very positive.

"They were happy to see the church playing a part and supporting the efforts in the fight against the Covid 19 virus.

"Receiving trusted and factual information about the vaccine from the church leaders, doctors and NHS staff was reassuring and gave individuals confidence to come out to take the vaccine. We look forward to request for future pop up clinics.”