Here are resources for volunteers providing assistance in the community, and for other professions to receive aid from them.
This collection will be updated regularly, so please do check back soon for more.
British Red Cross COVID-19 training for volunteers
e-Learning for Health volunteer resources
Guidance for support groups
Local support
National learning hub for volunteering
Refer a patient for support
British Red Cross COVID-19 training for volunteers
Provided by: British Red Cross
Cost: Free
Type: e-Learning & CPD
This training has been produced by the British Red Cross for anyone responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, whether it be through charity work or simply helping a neighbour, providing guidance on how to protect yourself and others.
To access, click here.
e-Learning for Health volunteer resources
Provided by: Health Education England (HEE)
Cost: Free
Type:Â Varied, e-Learning & CPD
An assortment of learning resources for volunteers can be found on HEE’s e-Learning for Health platform.
To access, click here.
Guidance for support groups
Provided by: Spark Somerset
Cost: Free
Type:Â Text
This is a written guide on how to effectively run a COVID-19 support group (i.e., how to safely deliver food to others, walk dogs, maintain the well-being of the group’s volunteers, etc.).
To access, click here.
Local support
Provided by:Â Sirona Care & Health
Cost:Â Free
Type: Referral service
Facilitated by Sirona, the contact information below can be relayed to patients – including to people whom use British Sign Language (BSL) – should they need help with collecting shopping, medicines, or other supplie, or need to have someone check in on them regularly.
National learning hub for volunteering
Provided by: Health Education England (HEE)
Cost: Free
Type:Â Varied
This site provides a wealth of learning resources for both volunteers and those whom work alongside volunteers.
To access, click here.
Refer a patient for support
Provided by:Â Royal Voluntary Service (via the GoodSam responders app) and NHS England / NHS Improvement
Cost:Â Free
Type: Text
Patients can receive help from a NHS Volunteer Responder through the GoodSam Responders app, for one of the following forms of support:
- Check in and chat support: short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of social isolation.
- Community support: collection of shopping, medication, or other essential supplies on behalf of someone whom is self-isolating.
- Patient transport support:Â transport home for patients whom are medically fit for discharge.
- NHS transport support:Â transport for equipment, supplies, and/or medication between NHS services and sites. Also involves assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.
Patients can be referred for help from this service by anyone in health and social care.
To access, click here.
To find out more about the service, click the images below.