Community Response referrer guide

Community Response Volunteers provide support to people in the community    through helping with practical tasks. This includes the following activities:

• • • Shopping - small shop
    • Shopping - large shop
    • Pharmacy - collection/delivery (collection and delivery of  pharmacy prescriptions medication, medical devices, glasses or hearing aids).
    • Connect - accompany to an activity (volunteers support people to attend social/community based activities e.g. lunch club visit, walks, accompanying someone to do their own shopping).

Why use these services

Reduced unnecessary GP visits by addressing non-clinical needs

Social and emotional support for people who may otherwise feel isolated

Easing the burden on healthcare providers by helping patients maintain a sense of connection and well-being

Who should use these services

GPs, Social Prescribers, Local Authority (multi-disciplinary teams), community nursing teams, and nursing staff to support patients who are isolated, lonely, unwell, or recovering from illness.

To make a referral, call 0808 196 3382 or make a referral online.

A person being referred for any of the activities in Community Response must have access to a means of payment – see payments guidance.

All support activities must be completed by 8pm, please don’t request support after this time.

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Page last reviewed: 18 October 2024