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.

Community Response locations

This role is available for referrals in number of local authorities areas.

Find Community Response locations

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Page last reviewed: 11 December 2024