NHS and Care Volunteer Responders

What to Expect:

If you, or someone you know, or someone you care for would like support, the trained Volunteer Responders are here to help by providing Telephone Support. This is a preventative activity to support people in need of a friendly call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing. You will get to speak to volunteers from across England helping you combat loneliness and isolation. There are two options:

• Check In and Chat Calls - friendly phone calls from volunteers, offering companionship and reassurance to those who may be isolated or in need of connection. The service is available 7 days a week for up to 18 weeks. This will be with a different volunteer each time.
• Companionship Calls - similar to Check In and Chats, but from the same volunteer allowing continuity of conversation. This can be up to 3 calls a week for 6 weeks.

42% of those they support said in a survey that they visited the GP less often thanks to Volunteer Responders.

35% of people said they attend A&E less often thanks to the help they receive from their volunteers.

More information :

NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is an NHS-approved volunteering programme that supports the NHS and people across England. The programme is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM on behalf of NHS England and has over 43,000 volunteers nationwide.

To be eligible for this service you must be over 18 years old and live in England.

People can access the service themselves by calling 0808 196 3646 or by filling in an online form here.

If you are a professional, you can refer a patient/client by calling 0808 196 3382 or by filling in a form here. If you are referring someone else they must capacity to consent to the referral and have the ability to self-mobilise, and:

• Referral supports the persons mental/physical health
• Must have mental capacity
• Is not known to be a risk to themselves or others (i.e. due to a physical or mental health condition or previously known risk for example, criminal convictions)
• Is not engaged in current misuse of alcohol/illicit substances

Volunteer with NHS Care Volunteers

NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is a flexible volunteering programme supporting the NHS and healthcare teams across England. For more information on what's involved and to sign up click here.

This free service is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM on behalf of NHS England