Volunteer eNewsletter

This email was sent to Volunteer Responders in February 2025

In this edition we focus on:

• The NHS wants to hear from you
• Need a reminder on GoodSAM?
• New webinars coming soon
• Record month for Pick Up and Deliver!
• "Telephone Support calls gave me something to look forward to"
• Help spread the word
• Volunteering in adverse weather
• LGBT+ History Month February 2025
• Share Your Volunteering Journey on TikTok!
• Stay Safe, Warm & Well
• Your questions answered

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

We are inviting you to participate exclusive online survey, exploring the contribution volunteering can make to achieving the ambitions of the new NHS 10 Year Plan.

The 10 year plan is built around three key 'shifts' in how health and care are delivered:

• a shift from care in hospitals into the community;
• a shift in the way we use technology in health and care; and
• a shift towards greater prevention of illness, in addition to treating it.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

We recently held a series of webinars to show you how to use the GoodSAM Responder app and website.

This included guidance on how to accept a task, amend your volunteering roles and more.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent webinar survey.

We have listened to your feedback and will be making some changes, including adding more evening and weekend sessions and more chances to ask your questions. Keep an eye on your email and social media for new webinars to sign up for soon.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

January 2025 saw a record number of support for the Pick Up and Deliver^[3] activity, with volunteers helping the NHS by completing a fantastic 454 shifts last month! We’re so grateful for your support.

This activity provides an invaluable service to the NHS and people on Virtual Wards or those being discharged from hospital by delivering essential medication or equipment.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

"Life was miserable before I started getting the calls from Volunteer Responders... Since using the service, I've been filled with the confidence to go out there and meet new people, and now I've got a whole group of friends."

Lesley, Telephone Support service user

Lesley lives with her son at her home in Essex. Prior to receiving support, Lesley found it hard to make friends. She believes receiving Companionship Calls gave her the confidence to go out and form new relationships.

There are plenty of people waiting to receive calls from a Volunteer Responder. Please go to the Activities tab on the GoodSAM Responder app to accept a task today.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

If you would like to support us growing and continuing to help more people and the NHS across the country, you could make a difference by putting up posters in your neighbourhood or sharing our message on social media.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

A reminder to all our volunteers to consider the weather and their personal safety when volunteering.

If you have accepted a volunteering task and do not feel you can travel or complete this activity safely, such as in adverse weather, or you feel there are safeguarding issues, please cancel or rearrange it by contacting our Support Team on 0808 196 3382^[5], 9am – 6pm, 7 days a week.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

This month, we recognise the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBT+ community. 

This year’s theme is Activism and Social Change, creating an opportunity to reflect on the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our diverse communities.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

Are you active on TikTok? We’d love to see your volunteering in action!

Whether you’re making a Check In and Chat call, completing a Community Response task, or supporting at a hospital, why not document your experience and inspire others to get involved?

How to join in:

1. Film a short video showing a day in your life as a Volunteer Responder.
2. Share why you volunteer and the difference it makes.
3. Tag us @royalvolservice so we can see and share your content!

Not following us yet? Head over to TikTok^[7] and hit follow to stay up to date with all things Volunteer Responders.

*Please remember not to share any personal information of the people you support.

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

Royal Voluntary Service’s Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign, delivered with long-term partner Yakult and with Stay Warm partner Cadent Gas, offers people up-to-date wellbeing advice and support.

Staying socially connected, the theme of this year’s campaign, is vital for our emotional and physical wellbeing, especially for those who are older or feeling isolated by illness.

Join us on the Virtual Village Hall, where you’ll find a series of seasonal Safe, Warm and Well sessions.

You can also download a copy of Stay Safe, Warm and Well^[9].

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025

Questions this week include whether you need insurance to carry out the Driving Support role, are expenses reimbursed and how you can review your volunteering activities.

Do I need insurance to carry out the Driving Support role?

Volunteers using their own car for voluntary purposes to support others should check the information on the Association of British Insurers website before undertaking any driving activity as you may not be insured. The information includes a list of insurers who do not charge extra for volunteer driving.

More information can be found on our page driving for Royal Voluntary Service^[11]

Are expenses reimbursed?

Yes, you can claim expenses incurred whilst volunteering. Each scheduled task you attend will generate a specific case number/task ID. This will be uploaded to the expense system the following day after attending in order for you to claim. For more information on what you can claim, visit concur.co.uk/rvs^[12]

How do I review which activities I can support as a Volunteer Responder?

Volunteer Responders can view which activities they are able to support by logging in to your GoodSAM account on the goodsamapp.org^[13]

Click on the 'Manage your current activities' tab. Here you will see the options available to you depending on whether you've completed your ID and DBS check (if required).

Page last reviewed: 03 February 2025