William Eichler 07 June 2023

NHS volunteer programme expanded into social care

The NHS Volunteer Responders Programme is set to be expanded to help the struggling social care system, the Government has announced.

Backed by £3m, the scheme will use the same GoodSAM app that NHS volunteers began using during the pandemic to bring providers and volunteers together.

The volunteers will provide support to people receiving care from local services in their 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.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

#Digital services #health #social care #Coronavirus

Analysis

Social Care Crisis: What local government needs to know

Councils are £715m over budget and PM Andy Burnham says social care reform is essential to stop the NHS collapsing — here's what it means for local government.

Opinion

The return of the lido: Investing in community, health and heritage

Andrew Clark, Head of Sports and Aquatics at GLL, reflects on GLL’s work with local authorities and community groups in maintaining public lidos.

Most Popular News

Devo minister resigns

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Governing, not controlling: finding the right balance with council-owned companies

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Team Manager

Grade 14 £51,928 - £56,293

Do you want to lead a passionate team dedicated to supporting parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain sa Durham