Title

HEALTH

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.

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.

HEALTH

Transforming public services in Liverpool City Region

By Kirsty McLean | 24 October 2025

Kirsty McLean reveals how the Liverpool-based Office for Public Service Innovation – working with the Cabinet Office’s Test, Learn and Grow programme – is la...

HEALTH

Test, Learn and Grow: Sheffield's family hubs

By Cllr Tom Hunt | 24 October 2025

Cllr Tom Hunt says Sheffield is aiming to build on the success of its Test, Learn and Grow pilot by launching a bold new Total Place approach that brings tog...

HEALTH

Supporting older people's health and fitness

By Phil Donnay | 23 October 2025

Phil Donnay looks at the importance for older people of keeping active.

HEALTH

Flags, free speech and duty of care

By Pam Parkes | 21 October 2025

Pam Parkes says that in a polarised climate, issues of identity and belonging will continue to surface, including flags. The challenge for councils is to fac...

Popular articles by William Eichler