Do you know someone who is feeling isolated, vulnerable, or lonely who might benefit from a friendly phone call?
Whether a one-off call to check on wellbeing, or a regular chat, Volunteer Responders are on hand to provide a listening ear. Where appropriate, they can help explore positive changes people can make to their lives such as connecting with others, becoming more physically active and learning new skills.
Volunteers can also signpost to other services in the community.
Health care professionals can now request Check In and Chat support for people who are socially isolated or would benefit from a friendly phone call and a bit of encouragement.
To find out more or to make a referral, call us on 0808 196 3382 or visit us online at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk .
Who is eligible for referrals?
Volunteer activities are not designed to be treatment services and therefore you should not refer anyone with complex needs into this scheme. Please use your discretion as a referrer to decide whether it is appropriate to refer an individual for support from a volunteer.
Contact us today to make a referral…
Referring someone is easy and completely free by calling:Â 0808 196 3382
Your referrals will be live immediately. You will have access to a dashboard which shows whether the requests/referrals you have entered have been matched with volunteers.
Volunteer Responders…
Volunteer Responders is a flexible volunteering programme designed to support the NHS and care in England. Originally set up during the pandemic, 400,000 ‘on duty’ volunteers have delivered over 2.2 million tasks between them.
Now the programme is being redesigned to meet the current needs of local health and care systems, to offer extra capacity in emergencies and to improve outcomes for staff and vulnerable people. The service aims to increase support available to your patients rather than duplicate existing volunteer services.
Benefits of using scheme…
Volunteer Responders are recruited, checked, supported and co-ordinated centrally and their expenses are paid by the NHS Volunteer Responders programme. They can switch between ‘on duty’ and ‘off duty’ through the GoodSAM app, to fit around other commitments. This flexibility of the scheme attracts volunteers from all communities and backgrounds.
The programme is underpinned by wrap-around support and assurance. Volunteers, patients/service users and referrers have a helpline, safeguarding team and problem solving team available between 8am-8pm.
