Like many other people, James has today signed up as to NHS Volunteer Responders which has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak.
To do this an 'army' of volunteers is needed who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well. Doctors, nurses and other professionals will be able to refer people in to NHS Volunteer Responders and be confident that they have been matched with a reliable, named volunteer.
After signing up James said, "In these trying times, it is important that we look after those with serious underlying medical conditions and I'm pleased to be supporting the NHS Volunteer Responders. The huge number of people who have already signed up shows that the strength of neighbourliness and strong community spirit in our country.!
The roles that people are being asked to volunteer for are:
Community Response volunteer: collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.
Patient Transport volunteer: 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: short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.
Sign up here https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS
Volunteers must be 18 or over, and fit and well with no symptoms. Those in higher-risk groups (including those over 70, those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions) will be able to offer support by telephone.
The majority of tasks can be undertaken while social distancing and volunteers will receive guidance through our 'getting started pack'. If you do become ill you can pause your volunteering.
Patient transport drivers will require an enhanced DBS check and will receive guidance to do this role safely, also included within the 'getting started pack'.
