NHS Volunteer Responders Scheme

The global crisis, Covid-19 has affected everyone in some way, but more so the 1.5 million vulnerable UK people.

Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock launched the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme. It aims to support the vulnerable, elderly and NHS staff by rallying troops to volunteer their time to support these groups.

Volunteers can be called on to do simple but vital tasks such as:

• Community Response Volunteer: Collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating.
• Patient Transport Volunteer: Support the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, and ensuring that they are settled safely back in to their home.
• NHS Transport Volunteer: Transporting equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites, it may also involve assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.
• Check-in and Chat volunteer: Provide short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.

Matt Hancock originally announced the need to recruit 250,000 volunteers. But, an over-whelming amount of over half million people have volunteered to help through this pandemic.

At Hampson Hughes Solicitors, we are endlessly proud of our workforce. The support and teamwork they have shown through these uncertain times to help push the business forward is amazing.

Especially, the members of the team, Carlos Lopez, Kevin Peaurt and Hollie Davies, who have signed up to the NHS Volunteer Scheme to offer support in their spare time. It is overwhelming to see the outpour of support the NHS is rightfully receiving.

Carlos Lopez, Director of Clinical Negligence and Serious Injury comments:

‘‘This is a time where everyone is under significant pressure, but no more so than the vulnerable and ill in our society. I joined the scheme to do my part and help those who need it, in whatever way I can.

There are four areas of help that the NHS need, from delivering medicines to just picking up the phone to speak to someone who is isolated and alone. It’s easy to sign up. And it is important that we pull together as a nation to support those who need it’’.

The NHS does an incredible job on a daily basis, now more than ever. But to know that over half a million volunteers are helping relieve the stress of NHS workers through these dark times is tremendous.

It is not too late to volunteer. You can sign up here: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS