Royal Voluntary Service, the charity behind the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme, has launched an emergency appeal to raise £5million in order to continue to support the thousands of older and vulnerable people who benefit from its help, and the large numbers of people contacting the charity seeking support.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has rapidly adapted its frontline services across Great Britain to support those most in need; through companionship calls, helping people to access food and essential medication, providing transport to medical appointments and helping patients return home from hospital safely, and offering social activities online.

Sam Ward, director of services and deputy chief executive, Royal Voluntary Service said: “Our work supports people to stay well at home, enables them to access healthcare and ultimately reduces pressure on the NHS front line. We urgently need funding to support this new way of working and also to help offset daily losses in our regular income. We are needed now more than ever before.”

Polly Cooke, service manager, Royal Voluntary Service added: “We know that most of the people we help live alone and struggle with loneliness. These people are now having to stay at home, as they are all either over 70 or have health issues. The contact they previously had with our volunteers was often the only chance they had to speak to someone for any length of time. To overcome this, we’ve arranged regular phone calls so that people can still have a chance to chat, as well as make requests for supplies – and to raise the alarm if needs be.”

Phillip Schofield, Broadcaster and Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador, said: “In these uncertain and fragile times, the work of organisations like Royal Voluntary Service becomes more essential than ever. Thousands of volunteers and staff are working around the clock to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are supported with shopping, prescription deliveries or with companionship phone calls. For many people, these volunteers are their only lifeline. Royal Voluntary Service needs your help to make sure they can keep providing this support to the people who need it most during this most challenging time.”

To find out more about Royal Voluntary Service Covid-19 Emergency Appeal, our work within your local community and how you could support the emergency appeal through donations or hosting a fundraising event, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/donate or contact Stacey Smalley on Stacey.smalley@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or by phone 07774269637

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