[Closed] Royal Voluntary Service to help the NHS

I’m considering it, in Scotland so it’s not active here yet but I think about to be, only caught the end of what Sturgeon was saying.

I’m not that worried about catching it myself, what I am worried about is taking it in to my workplace and shutting that down. At the moment I think that’s enough to stop me doing it, but will have a look at what volunteers they are needing.

Are you fit & healthy and not in an at risk group?

Depends where she is volunteering and what she is doing? I get shopping for my parents and some elderly neighbour's and that increases my risk of coming into contact with the virus. But it seems worth the risk, on balance.

I suspect volunteers will be used in support roles so low risk. You are right to ask but I suspect the risk is low. Volunteers will not be going onto covid wards would be my guess

Tj is right as there will still be requirements eg. CRB checks, confidentiality issues etc. to be at the very sharp end, not to mention training.

I was only able to confirm my availability to NHS Scotland today (been waiting well over a week) and form had no option for employment history as I worked for a trust in England, or my professional qualifications! Hopefully they will sort that from my follow up email but it doesn't inspire confidence generally!

They are not taking any more applications for now. I applied at the beginning of the call for volunteers but because of a glitch in the system using my passport for id meant they failed to verify my Id, using my driving license would have worked apparently. Disappointed, especially as I live next to a large regional hospital.

Spoke with a friend yesterday who's volunteered and is going through the process. Was supposed to receive a response within 72 hours but that's been and gone. Presumably it's the criminal records check thingy that can hold up applications.

She's been approved but currently has a cold (we hope just a cold) so not looking to help just yet. Maybe in a week or so.

Hi, I've set up a thread for discussion about this topic. It's called the royal volunteer service.

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/royal-voluntary-service-chat-and-help/

Doesn't seem to be active yet, but if you registered and provided id once it's processed and accepted you get invited to download an app and wait for tasks to come in.

Are the Scottish roles likely to match the England/Wales roles for volunteers?

Hi, I’ve set up a thread for discussion about this topic.

But don't follow the link, as that thread's been moderated closed and pointed back to here...

Just reported the post Peter, as I agree with you. A separate thread would be better.
I've also got that app and approved, found it very confusing also, seems to be a sit it out and wait scenario.

I suspect volunteers will be used in support roles so low risk.

Collecting and delivering prescriptions and maybe ferrying minor supplies around, as I understand it. If you've a CRB you could be ferrying patients but that won't be for Covid and in any case I think the intention is to use existing emergency services like Fire for routine patient transport if necessary
.

I’ve also got that app and approved, found it very confusing also, seems to be a sit it out and wait scenario.

You may also have had an email with

"Please also be aware that we are not planning to start any volunteering until after the 31st of March 2020."

Until then I guess you should review the fairly confusing starter packs and

"Please also try a 'simulation' to familiarise yourself with the app by pressing the 'Simulate An "Alert' button from the 'Around Me' tab (this is the middle tab or the third tab from the left)."

Looks like mods decided this thread would be suitable enough for it despite it being about something else. Shame, as I feel it’s an important topic and this thread doesn’t lend itself to being the right theme for it.

Better now?

Better now?

Thank you

Yeah, I filled the form out but I guess they're swamped with applicants.

Scottish volunteering now online

https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/volunteering

Hopefully this 6 week old cold will sod off soon.

Please also be aware that we are not planning to start any volunteering until after the 31st of March 2020.”

Yep, missed that email. Cheers.