This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
NHS Volunteer Responders Programme to expand into social care
The government has announced that the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme is to expand into social care to to form a joint NHS and care volunteering programme and allow care providers to recruit volunteers to help people in their local areas.
Using the same GoodSam app that the NHS volunteers currently use, the scheme is backed by £3 million.
There will be a few roles available including Check in and Chat Plus which will involve contacting people who have been identified as particularly vulnerable to offer a friendly voice to those who may be experiencing loneliness and Pick up and Deliver which is to help to transport medicines or small items of medical equipment to people’s homes or community settings from NHS sites to aid discharge from hospital or continued healthcare support. Community Response volunteers will collect and deliver food shopping and essential items as well as prescriptions and medications to people in the community.
Minister for care, Helen Whately, said: "Volunteers can be a lifeline for people needing support. They can provide help to people needing a hand with food shopping, picking up prescriptions or even battling loneliness by lending a listening ear.
"That’s why we are building on the success of the NHS Volunteer Responders programme by expanding into social care. This launch will support the discharge of medically fit patients from hospital, freeing up the time so our workforce can focus on meeting more complex needs and most importantly support people to live independently at home for longer."
The roles are intended to help relieve pressure on the health and social care system and support hospital discharge and prevent admissions.
Dame Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: "We are delighted that this innovative volunteering programme is being expanded and look forward to seeing what positive changes this move can bring for our social care colleagues - it has been a wonderful support for the NHS over the last couple of years.
"There are a wide range of roles available which give amazing support to our patients and existing staff - we are looking for people who can help provide essentials to others who may be vulnerable, or for those who want to take a potential first step into a career in the NHS. If you are interested, we want to hear from you."
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