The NHS Volunteer Responder Programme is available in England for anyone who needs help whilst isolating or if you are a vulnerable, at risk person. You can use the GoodSAM app, website or contact number to refer yourself or on behalf of someone else providing the person meets the below criteria and would benefit from one of the 4 volunteer roles as determined by you a health care professional or a local authority referrer.
The following criteria has been supplied in order to assist you in your decision to refer. However, discretion can be used by a healthcare practitioner/local authority if someone is deemed a vulnerable patient but does not fall into the below.
The programme is open to anyone who needs to self-isolate for any reason.
This includes anyone who:
•Has been advised to shield by a health professional;
•Is vulnerable for another reason (for instance disability, pregnancy, over 70, have Parkinson’s, epilepsy, or are vulnerable due to a mental health condition, etc.);
•Is self-isolating because they have confirmed Covid 19 or suspected symptoms; or they have been in contact with someone who has.
•Is self-isolating as a requirement of official advice or legislation (such as before surgery, or following entry into the country).
•Is someone with caring responsibilities, if this support helps them to continue in their caring
role.
•The programme is also open to frontline health and care staff.
For further information about GoodSAM click here
Patient referral form click here for individual referrals this can be done on the patient referral form and select ‘other’ or calling 0808 196 3646
Guide for referrers click here
To volunteer click here
GoodSAM offer shopping and prescription collections and deliveries, head to their website to see more click here
