This email was sent to Volunteer Responders in July 2024.
In this edition we focus on:
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
We recently invited you to a series of webinars explaining some of the exciting updates[1] we have made to the programme.
We now have a recorded version available to watch if you want to refresh yourself on these changes.
These changes provide you with more choice and more control so you can get more from your volunteering.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
Dedicated volunteer, Alan Frear, has recently reached an outstanding milestone, completing over 1,000 medication deliveries to support Barnsley Hospital patients and the NHS.
Through the Pick Up and Deliver[3] activity, Alan plays a key part in supporting vulnerable people who need their medication across South and West Yorkshire. This activity sees volunteers deliver medication or equipment to people recently discharged from hospital or in a virtual ward.
“I’d absolutely recommend volunteering to others, knowing you’ve made a difference is one of the best feelings."
Alan Frear
"Making 1,000 deliveries is a highly impressive accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud and thankful for Alan’s efforts."
Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
Downloading the GoodSAM app is essential to providing support as a Volunteer Responder. Without it, you will not be able to search or accept volunteering tasks.
You can download the ‘GoodSAM Responder’ app via the App Store or Google Play. Find the links below:
Click here for further guidance on using the GoodSAM app[6] or watch an instructional video here[7].
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
Nearly all activities are now listed in the ‘Activities’ tab.
You’ll see a new ‘Activities’ tab on the GoodSAM app, where you will find a wider variety of roles based on your profile, the checks you have completed, and the volunteering you like to do.
Please keep checking the ‘Activities’ tab on the GoodSAM app to pick your volunteering tasks. Click here[8] for a reminder on how to do this.
Our Support Team are also on hand for any queries you have. You can contact them on 0808 196 3382[9].
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
We want to make sure you have everything you need as a Volunteer Responder.
To do that, we need all of your contact and personal details up to date. This means we can contact you regarding changes to the programme, any activities you take part in as a Volunteer Responder and any other important information.
Please log in to the GoodSAM website[10], go to the ‘Manage’ tab and then press ‘My details’ to amend your details.
Please contact our Support Team on 0808 196 3382[9] (8am to 6pm, 7 days a week) who can do this for you.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
Do you love to plan your volunteering ahead and know what you’re doing weeks in advance?
Using the GoodSAM app you’re able to choose your volunteering shifts up to 28 days in advance, giving you more choice, more control and enabling you to get more out of your volunteering.
Go to the ‘Activities’ tab in the GoodSAM app to book your next shift now.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our diverse communities are recognised and commemorated.
From 18 July to 17 August, we’re honouring South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), a time to highlight and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and their impact.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
As a result of recent changes to programme, any role you are eligible for based on your completed checks, such as a DBS check and driver status, were automatically added to your profile.
You can remove or add roles you don’t want to see on the app by logging in to your account on the GoodSAM website[10] and going to ‘Manage your current roles’.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024
Questions this week include why you can no longer see site details for Site Support shifts, why there are no more Steward shifts for now, and why are some volunteers only able to make three Check In and Chat calls a month.
We have had to standardise the activity information on the tiles on the activities tab in order to protect client data, which also includes the Site Support tasks.
The tasks in the list are based on distance order which should bring the sites nearest to you to the top of the list. If you want to see the details, you can accept the task, view the information and decline if needed.
Accepting and declining tasks in this way doesn't affect your profile in any way.
The spring booster has now finished so Steward support is on pause and will resume again in the autumn. For now, we’d recommend taking a look at the other opportunities available near you on the GoodSAM app. There may be some other roles that are not available to you right now because you need additional ID checks.
Find out more about levels of checks[13]
Following a review of our activities, we have received advice from the Disclosure and Barring Service that Check In and Chat Volunteers who do not have a DBS should only make up to 3 calls in a rolling 30 days.
Should you complete a DBS check though, you are then able to make as many Check In and Chat calls as you like in any 30 day period. Find out more about completing your DBS check[14]
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2024