This email was sent to Volunteer Responders in March 2025
In this edition we focus on:
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
We have new webinar sessions available to book now if you’re looking to grow your confidence with Companionship Calls or would like to ask any questions you have.
Click the link below to view the full list of sessions:
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Please make sure you have provided an emergency contact on the GoodSAM Responder app.
We will only use this in the case of an emergency or at a time when we cannot get hold of you whilst engaged in a volunteering activity.
To do this, open the Me tab on the GoodSAM app, find ‘Emergency contact’, click the ‘Change’ button and add their full name, phone number and their relationship to you.
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Vaccination for all eligible cohorts should begin from 1 April 2025. The campaign end date will be 17 June 2025.
For more information on the eligible cohorts, visit the NHS England[2] website.
We will need your support very soon. Please continue to check the ‘Activities’ tab in the GoodSAM Responder app for Stewarding shifts.
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Recently, a number of Volunteer Responders helped support the NHS by taking part in a survey and series of workshops to help shape the future of the NHS through their 10-Year Health Plan.
The public consultation focused on three areas the NHS were most interested in addressing: moving care closer to home, making better use of technology and preventing sickness, not just treating it. Volunteers then provided their thoughts and opinions on how best the voluntary sector could assist in achieving these objectives.
The findings from the workshops and online survey were recently submitted to the NHS. The new 10-Year Health Plan is due to be published in spring/summer 2025. Thank you for your support!
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Anthony has completed over 4,000 tasks with the Volunteer Responders programme.
When he initially signed up during the pandemic, Anthony was making prescription and shopping deliveries, before finding his passion for making Telephone Support calls.
Anthony said: "I volunteer to help people, but it makes me feel good too.
"I realised Telephone Support calls let me connect with people from my own home, so I started making more of those.
"I’d say to anyone considering volunteering: go ahead and do it. It’s nice when you make that first call and hear their reaction - they don’t feel lonely anymore and know someone is there to support them."
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Last weekend, many Muslims around the globe began Ramadan[4].
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and it is a time for reflection, prayer and community. To learn more about the significance of this holy month, click the button below to visit our Inclusion Hub.
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible women who volunteer their time to support others.
From making Telephone Support calls to delivering essential items, their kindness and dedication help strengthen communities every day.
Today, we celebrate our volunteers, healthcare workers, and all women making a difference. Thank you for everything you do! For more information about this important day, you can watch an informative video[6] or visit our Inclusion Hub[5].
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Did you know we’re on social media? Stay up to date with the latest news, volunteer stories, impact stats, and opportunities to get involved.
By following us, you can:
You can find us on Facebook[7], Instagram[8], LinkedIn[9] and X[10].
Join the conversation, share your experiences, and help us spread the word about the amazing work Volunteer Responders do every day!
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2025
Questions this week include what you may be asked to collect or deliver for Pick Up and Deliver, do you need to change your car insurance to drive as a volunteer and what to do if the person you are supporting for Pick Up and Deliver has questions about their monitoring equipment.
Pick Up and Deliver Volunteers will be asked to deliver medicines or monitoring equipment to recently discharged people from hospital or in a virtual ward. These items will be delivered to a person's home address.
Any equipment you are given will be portable and can be handed over at the doorstep. Medicine deliveries will not contain any controlled substances.
Please refer the person to call the health professional named in their discharge letter or to use the contact details in any information provided about the virtual ward.
Volunteers using their own car for voluntary purposes to support others should check the information on the Association of British Insurers website[12] 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.
Page last reviewed: 07 March 2025