More information about the volunteer services
What support can volunteers provide?
NHSCVR volunteers can help address crucial gaps in non-clinical care by:
- Ensuring the timely delivery of essential items, such as medications, mobility aids, and medical equipment. Pick Up and Deliver supports the immediate needs of patients, whether they are being discharged from the hospital, receiving ongoing care from a hospital trust, or require continued support at home.
- Telephone calls to people in need of a friendly voice and a listening ear.
- Help with essential shopping and prescription delivery.
- Supporting people to enjoy social activities and hobbies in the community.
What other roles will be available?
We frequently review the needs of the programme, and we will update referrers when new roles are added, for example following a successful pilot activity.
How do volunteers get matched to our services?
This depends on whether the task is an urgent same day task or a shift-based task.
An urgent same day task request will be sent to registered volunteers who are on duty in the local area.
A shift will be available to volunteers to select in advance. Once you submit the referral it will go into the system to be matched or selected by our pool of volunteers.
Successful completion of a shift or task is dependent on volunteer availability at the time and the amount of notice provided.
What support is available for patients, volunteers and referrers?
The programme is backed by comprehensive support and assurance. Volunteers, those receiving support, and referrers all have access to a Helpline, Safeguarding Team, and Problem-Solving Team available 7 days a week.
How do I find out the impact of NHSCVR in my area?
Our proven track record showcases significant positive changes within various ICSs, highlighting the measurable benefits of NHSCVR’s volunteer support.
To find out about the impact in your ICS contact your Regional Relationship Manager
I have placed a referral for multiple volunteers, but there aren’t enough volunteers accepting the requests.
Contact the Support Team on 0808 196 3382, who will be able to pass your referral on to the programme team for investigation. It may be that the information in the alert is not clear enough, or the details have been recorded incorrectly. The programme team will also be able to access another route to help you access more volunteers.
How do NHSCVR volunteers work alongside NHS Volunteers?
Volunteering activities are designed to compliment existing volunteering programmes, offering additional support.
Can volunteers support in the evenings?
All volunteering acitvity must have concluded by 8pm, volunteers are not able to help after this time. You should ensure that when making a request you are clear in the task information about timings.
Can volunteers help with chores or personal care?
Volunteers cannot support people with personal care. Please see our list of acceptable and not acceptable activities in the referrer guidance for this activity.
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Page last reviewed: 16 October 2024
