NHS and Care Volunteer Responders Service

Baroness Brown of Silvertown Excerpts

Tuesday 20th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I assure the noble Baroness that there is no intention that this will impact on services. As I mentioned, this is about getting value for money; the previous scheme did so during the Covid pandemic and just after, but we are in a totally different world now. All those who volunteered through the scheme that is being brought to an end will have been sent an email advising them how they can continue their volunteering—we do not want to lose people—and how it will be easier. The launch of the portal will provide a one-stop shop, overseen by NHS England. That is what will be funded. I hope that the noble Baroness and other noble Lords will find the website a much friendlier place through which they can volunteer.

[Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Lab)]

My Lords, can the Minister assure me that we will not use volunteers to plug the gap in NHS services and that people will get an appropriate level of care when they arrive at an NHS facility?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend makes an important point and I can give her that assurance. For me, volunteering provides a different type of resource. For example, Mid Yorks is advertising for trolley volunteers, ward befriending volunteers and café volunteers. It is about supporting the staff in their efforts, and supporting patients. Volunteers have always had a role, and long may that continue.