Volunteer eNewsletter

This email was sent to Volunteer Responders in August 2024.

In this edition we focus on:

• New webinar series launched!
• COVID-19 & flu vaccination campaign - Autumn/winter 2024/25
• Shifts available now!
• Meet Irving, one of our dedicated volunteers
• Accepting and declining tasks
• App update: where to find the Activity ID
• We’re on TikTok!
• Volunteer Responders ID
• New accessibility feature
• How to get your hi-vis vest
• Your questions answered

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We recently launched our new Learn More webinar series. These webinars will host dedicated sessions on the topics that matter most to you.

Each webinar will focus on a particular area of the programme to help support your volunteering. For example, there will be sessions on roles and activities, such as Community Response and Shopping, or topics that support your everyday volunteering, such as claiming Expenses.

Coming up soon

Take a look at some of our upcoming webinars. Click the links to book your place.

• Shopping – Friday 6 September, 3pm^[2]
• Connect – Wednesday 11 September, 2pm^[3]
• Expenses – Tuesday 17 September, 10am^[4]

Virtual Coffee Catch-up

We also have our first Virtual Coffee Catch-up to hear the latest updates and news from the programme on Thursday 12 September at 10am.

This will feature a breakout room of your choice on topics relevant to you and the programme. This will be an open forum where you can express your views to members of the programme and your fellow volunteers.

Page last reviewed: 06 September 2024

The upcoming vaccination campaign will begin on 3 October 2024.

Vaccination bookings will open on 16 September. Vaccines for COVID-19 will predominantly conclude by 20 December 2024, and flu vaccines by the end of March 2025. For more information about the eligible cohorts^[6] for the respective vaccine.

We will need your support very soon. Please continue to check the ‘Activities’ tab in the GoodSAM app to see opportunities near you and accept any you can.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

The Volunteer Responders programme offers a diverse and engaging range of activities for you to make a difference to those who need it, with shifts ready to book now!

Please check the ‘Activities’ tab on the GoodSAM app to pick your volunteering tasks. See the GoodSAM app^[8] section for a reminder on how to do this.

You will only receive ‘ping-style’ alerts for urgent requests, so please continue to check the app for new volunteering opportunities. You can pick the activities you want to do ahead of time, making it much easier to plan your volunteering.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

In the video below, we sit down with Irving, one of our dedicated Volunteer Responders, as he shares his journey.

Discover how volunteering has enriched his life and has allowed him to give back to his community.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We wanted to remind you that it is ok to decline a task later if it is no longer suitable for you.

It will not negatively impact your volunteering. You may wish to accept the task to see more information and decline it if it doesn’t suit you.

When cancelling tasks, we ask that you cancel as soon as possible. This enables the request to appear to other volunteers who could support the activity.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We’ve made a small update to the GoodSAM app following your feedback.

When looking for the Activity ID for each task, go to the Activities tab on the GoodSAM app, swipe left or click on the activity you’re interested in to show details. You will then see the Activity ID at the top of the Additional Information section.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We’re excited to announce that Royal Voluntary Service is now on TikTok! 

Join us as we share inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and the incredible impact that both Royal Voluntary Service volunteers and Volunteer Responders are making.

Follow us for a dose of positivity, tips, and fun content that highlights the heart of our community. Click the button below to follow us on TikTok and join the conversation.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

Whilst we do not offer a physical ID as part of the Volunteer Responders programme, if you upload a photo of yourself on the GoodSAM app, then this acts as your digital ID.

You can access this on the ‘Me’ tab on the GoodSAM app. If you haven’t added your image yet, click the grey circle at the top of the ‘Me’ tab page to upload an image of yourself.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We are pleased to introduce the Focus Text on our Recite Me toolbar, found on the Volunteer Responders website^[10].

This guides your eyes through the text, making it easier to read. This method improves reading speed and comprehension, making online content more accessible to those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other reading challenges.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

We will send your hi-vis vest when you have accepted your first Steward shift.

It will usually reach you within a few weeks. If you book a shift and have not yet received your hi-vis, please approach the site lead on your shift and let them know you require one. Many sites have a supply of hi-vis vests that you can hopefully utilise in the meantime.

Page last reviewed: 05 September 2024

Questions this week include how you can access multiple volunteering roles and what could you expect to be transporting as part of Pick Up and Deliver.

I already signed up as a responder, how do I add an additional role?

Volunteers can only add/remove activities through the GoodSAM website and not the GoodSAM app. To do this, login to the GoodSAM website^[13] and select 'Manage your roles'. You may need to go through additional checks depending on which activities you select.  

I'm a Pick Up and Deliver Volunteer what will I be asked to collect/deliver?

Pick Up and Deliver Volunteers will be asked to deliver medicines or monitoring equipment to NHS sites, recently discharged people from hospital or people being cared for at home in a virtual ward.  

Page last reviewed: 06 September 2024