This email was sent to Volunteer Responders in April 2025
In this edition we focus on:
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
The Volunteer Responders programme launched over 5 years ago on 4 April 2020! Since then, thousands of volunteers have stepped up to help in so many different ways, such as:
Thank you for your support. Here’s to everything you’ve made possible, and to the difference we can continue to make together.
Page last reviewed: 08 April 2025
There are plenty of Steward shifts available over the coming weeks to support the spring vaccination campaign. Please continue to check the Activities tab in the GoodSAM Responder app for Stewarding shifts.
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
If you’ve ever had questions about the programme, join us at one of our upcoming Q&A sessions where you have opportunity to speak directly a member of our team and get the answers you need.
Click below to browse upcoming sessions.
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
Access all volunteering activities by completing your DBS now. You have a limited amount of time before this option will no longer be available on the programme.
To begin your check, log in to the GoodSAM website[3]. Once logged in, go to the ‘Manage my roles’ tab, then click the green button ‘Complete your Enhanced DBS Check with Adult Barred’.
For more instructions, click here[5] or watch a helpful video[6].
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
Our Support Team are now available through a direct booking service where you can schedule a free, one-to-one video call or phone call lasting up to 30 minutes (subject to availability). Click the button below to book time with our Support Team now:
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
You can now use BT Relay UK to support individuals with hearing or speech impairments via telephone. This service uses a relay assistant to facilitate communication, ensuring everyone can access the support they need.
To help you become familiar with this service, we have created a short introductory video on our website. You may receive a request to support someone using BT Relay UK - this will be in the task details. This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use BT Relay UK when calling. Click the button below to watch this:
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
Glen started volunteering when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and fell in love with the flexibility of the programme and how easy it was to give his time. His preferred volunteer activities are Stewarding and Telephone Support.
"The number of clients who say ‘thank you’ is unbelievable - it brings tears to your eyes. People really mean it, and it’s incredibly rewarding.
“Volunteer Responders is so flexible and because it doesn’t require a long-term commitment, you can just give it a go and see if it’s for you. The flexibility means you can volunteer in a way that suits you - there’s so much to gain and nothing to lose.”
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025
Questions this week include how to cancel a shift after accepting it and why you are restricted to 3 Check In and Chat calls a month.
Once you have confirmed attendance, this will show on your ‘tasks’ screen with attending in green, next to that shift. If you need to cancel a shift, swipe across the task, still on the tasks screen, and press ‘no longer attending’. Please provide as much notice as possible if you are cancelling your shift.
Volunteer Responders require a DBS with the programme to make more than 3 calls a month. Completing a DBS with us would enable you to make as many Check In and Chat calls as you like, and you’d also be eligible for Companionship Calls. This activity would allow you to have up to 3 calls a week with the same person for 6 weeks.
You can complete your DBS on the GoodSAM website[3].
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2025