How to refer
You can make referrals by submitting details online via the GoodSAM referrer portal or by calling our Support Team on 0808 196 3382.
What is NHS and Care Volunteer Responders?
NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) is a large-scale, NHS-approved volunteering programme supporting the NHS and healthcare teams across England.
Who can use NHSCVR services?
NHSCVR volunteers offer targeted assistance tailored to the needs of your ICS, Trust, and Primary Care Centre.
Our integration within the NHS care model ensures that patients receive well-rounded support, enhancing their overall care experience and alleviating the workload on healthcare professionals.
Which organisations can make a referral?
Referrals for volunteer support can be made by professionals, including:
- Approved charity partner
- Approved VCSE organisations
- Community pharmacy
- General Practice (GP)
- Healthwatch
- Hospital
- Local authority (multi-disciplinary teams)
- Member of Parliament (MP)
- NHS111/Ambulance Trust
- Police or fire service
- Resilience Forum member
- Social housing provider
- Social prescribing/link worker scheme.
Who is eligible for support?
See referral criteria for more information on who is eligible for support for each volunteer activity.
How do I access the services and make a referral on behalf of an individual?
Our user-friendly referral process allows you to make online referrals through our digital platform, GoodSAM.
This means you can request NHSCVR volunteers with minimal effort, saving valuable time and resources. Once you have identified the volunteer services you require, our referral form will guide you through the booking process.
What training is available to help me make a referral?
We have created a training pathway for our referrers which will help you through making a referral step by step.
With clear guides and our support, referring to NHSCVR services is a
seamless experience, enabling you to focus more on patient care.
How do I refer people in for multiple activities? Can I do this?
You will need to make a new referral for each activity required by the person needing support. Multiple activities cannot be selected on the same referral form.
What part of the UK can I make a referral for?
Volunteer Responders is an NHS England scheme that runs in England only.
I don’t have an NHS or GOV email address, can I make a referral?
You can make referrals directly if you have an nhs.net or gov.uk email address. We will approve requests from alternative addresses as quickly as we can within 72 hours, or you can make referrals through your local authority.
Should a single nominated person set up an account on behalf of each professional referring organisation?
This is open to each eligible professional organisation to decide. We have left this flexible to suit different needs. If you want a colleague to access your referrals we suggest you use a generic email address when setting up your GoodSAM account.
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Page last reviewed: 04 October 2024
