The NHS GoodSAM Scheme had more than 750,000 applicants volunteer to help support vulnerable people in their local communities. We think that’s amazing, and we’re so very grateful on behalf of all of the people we support who will benefit from this scheme. It is a real relief to know that there are people available to help our staff care for the most vulnerable of the 2,500 people we support.
However, the NHS GoodSAM scheme is focusing its efforts on those who are most at risk of contracting Coronavirus. These people must be referred to the scheme by a doctor or nurse. And although some of the people we support are elderly, or have underlying health issues, many do not. It’s not an easy system to navigate and many of the people we support, though vulnerable in other ways, will not currently be eligible for their help. As an Hft Response Volunteer, you will be helping to reduce strain on the NHS by providing support that will reduce the risk of people falling ill or becoming vulnerable.