Festive period support Posted or Updated on 10 Apr 2024

The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme is open for self-referral over the festive season. This means people can request support themselves, from friendly chats over the phone to food shopping and prescription deliveries. All support is available free of charge, and people don’t need to be referred by a health or care professional.  

If you want to make a self-referral, please call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

Volunteer Services include:

Check In and Chat: Volunteers are available to provide a friendly phone call and a listening ear.

Check In and Chat Plus: The same volunteer is available to provide regular friendly phone calls and a listening ear for up to 3 times a week for up to 6 weeks.

Community Response: Volunteers are available to help by collecting and delivering shopping, medication and other essential supplies including lateral flow tests, if eligible. This service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of 6 weeks.