FAQs

For referrers

What will happen to the people I have referred into the programme?

We have written to everyone receiving support to advise them of the closure of Volunteer Responders and included details of how they can contact our Support Team. In addition the most vulnerable patients will be contacted directly .

When is the last date I can put a referral in?

Referrals for Companionship Calls have already ended.

All other referrals will need to be input by 31 May for completion on the same day.

Any shifts or tasks that are dated after the Saturday 31 May will be removed and will not be completed.

When is the last date I can put a one off task into the system?

The last date for one-off task referrals will be 31 May 2025, noting the task must be completed on the same day.

When is the last date for support?

31 May is the last day of volunteer support. Any shifts or tasks dated after 31 May will be removed and will not be completed.

How are you communicating this to the patients?

We have written to everyone receiving support to advise them of the closure of Volunteer Responders and included details of where they can find alternative support.

Can we work with the volunteers to continue support?

Following the last task date on 31 May 2025, any decision to allow volunteers to continue supporting your organisation, would be your choice and independent of NHS and Care Responders, NHSE, Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM.

NHSE, Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM would be unable to support with any issues that may arise, nor would any insurances cover your continued relationship.

Where else can we get volunteer support?

If you wish to understand further ways you can continue to involve volunteer support contact [email protected]

What will happen with my data?

We will process your data in line with the deletion and retention rules specified in the Referrer's Privacy Notice.

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Page last reviewed: 12 May 2025