Support for NHS organisations
Volunteer Responders are ready to provide vital support to the NHS.
To make a referral call 0808 196 3382 or
Make a referral onlineInformation:
See the Guide for referrers or FAQs to guide you on how to make referrals or to find out more about the Volunteer Responders programme.Information
Support available
Check In and Chat
Friendly telephone chats and encouragement to reduce loneliness and improve a person’s wellbeing for up to 18 weeks. The calls will be from different volunteers each time.
Check In and Chat Plus
Regular telephone calls and encouragement to reduce loneliness and improve a person’s wellbeing from the same volunteer (3 calls per week for 6 weeks from a volunteer). This is suitable for people who would benefit from speaking to the same person.
Community Response
Collection and delivery of food shopping and essential items and/or prescriptions, lateral flow tests and medications to people at home with a current health need. Support available on a one-off basis or for a period of 6 weeks. The days and times to be agreed between the volunteer and the person supported.
Pick Up and Deliver
Medicine or small items of medical equipment transported to people's homes from NHS sites or between sites. Requests can be made for a shift or for an urgent task request. This activity particularly supports people who are being discharged from hospital to home, are waiting for admission to hospital or are being cared for on a virtual ward. No biological specimens can be delivered.
Volunteers should not deliver Schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs and pharmacists should use their professional judgement to determine whether it is appropriate for a volunteer to deliver Schedule 4 or 5 Controlled Drugs.
Connect support
Support for people to enjoy a range of activities in the home or in their community.
Volunteers are not able to support certain tasks, please see Connect activities for a full list.
Steward support
Volunteers will support the safe movement of patients around COVID-19 vaccination sites. They can monitor patient numbers, ensure safe social distancing, and identify patients who may need additional support. The maximum shift length is 4 hours.