NHS and Care Volunteer Responders

What to expect

If you, or someone you know or care for would like a regular friendly chat, trained Volunteer Responders can help by providing Telephone Support. This free service combats loneliness and isolation by supporting people in need of a friendly call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing. You will speak to volunteers from across England and you can choose from 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 seven days a week for up to 18 weeks. This will be with a different volunteer each time.
• Companionship Calls - similar to Check In and Chat Calls, but from the same volunteer allowing continuity of conversation. This can be up to three calls a week for six weeks.

42% of those who have used the service said in a survey that they visited the GP less often thanks to NHS and Care Volunteer Responders and 35% of people said they attend A&E less often.

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, 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 (for example, due to a physical or mental health condition or previously known risk for example, a criminal conviction);
• is not currently engaged in misuse of alcohol/illicit substances.

Volunteer with NHS and Care Responders

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.