What is an NHS and care volunteer responder, and how can I access this service?
The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme has over 40,000 volunteers who support people in their local community. Find out how volunteer responders can help you and how to access them.
It supports NHS England and is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM.
What is a Volunteer Responder?
NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is a volunteering programme supporting the NHS and people with health needs. It was initially set up during the pandemic to support NHS professionals and vulnerable people using health services.
What support can volunteers provide?
The volunteer responders can support you with a range of activities, including:
- Check-in and chat: Volunteers are available to provide you with a friendly phone call. This will be a call from a different volunteer each time for up to 18 weeks.
- Companionship calls: Volunteers provide regular friendly phone calls and a listening ear up to three times a week, up to six weeks.
- Community response: Volunteers can help you by collecting prescriptions, shopping, and other essential supplies. If eligible, this service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of six weeks. Volunteers can also support by accompanying someone to a local activity.
- Pick up and deliver: If you need medication or medical equipment, you can get this delivered to your home, usually before or after a hospital stay. This service requires a healthcare professional to refer you.
How do I access support?
There are different ways to access support.
- Self-referral: You can call the Volunteer Responder self-referral phone line to make a referral on 0808 196 3646.
- Referral through a healthcare professional: A professional referrer such as your GP or other medical practitioner can request a referral for you. Pick Up and Deliver and Community Response are only available through a professional referral.
Am I eligible for these services?
Check in and chat is available to anyone in need of a friendly phone call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Companionship calls is available to anyone who would prefer or benefit from speaking to the same volunteer.
Community response is available for those with a current health need.
These services are not designed to be a treatment service. Anyone with complex vulnerabilities or needs would not be suitable to be referred to the scheme.
Examples where the service would not be appropriate:
- People with complex mental health needs.
- People who are known to be suicidal.
- People with severe cognitive impairment.
- Referrals for those with drug addiction or alcohol dependency.
Want more information?
If you have more questions, take a look at the NHS responders frequently asked questions for people who would like support.
You can also call 0808 196 3646.
