WIREDGOV

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to the expansion of the NHS Volunteer Responder scheme 

“This national volunteering scheme is an important back-up to councils’ existing and new local volunteering initiatives which are helping communities during this crisis.

“We have been working closely with NHS England to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our society continue to be supported. This includes extending support beyond the “medically shielded” group to people who are vulnerable because of disability, frailty or pregnancy and now for those who can self-refer.

“Councils value and pay tribute to the vast numbers of people who are volunteering to support vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to cope with COVID-19, whether this is for a national or local organisation.”