Royal Voluntary Service

Our team at Worcester Royal Hospital celebrated our wonderful Retail Volunteer Ian, who came in for his shift on his 80th Birthday 🥳

Ian volunteers alongside his wife, Chris, who has volunteered with us for over 37 years!

Thank you, Ian, for your continuous commitment and support – we hope you had a lovely day celebrating with the team.🙌

We’ve hit our 1000th First Time For Everything event 🤩

Since launching in 2017, more than 14,722 people have discovered the joy of trying something new which has helped boost their mental health and build meaningful connections with their community.

Huge thank you to players of People's Postcode Lottery who support the programme and make this all possible ❤

Wish to see if we host events near you? To learn more about our social activities, visit: https://orlo.uk/Ygoho

As school starts back up again, why not try something new and volunteer alongside your studies?🤩

You could gain valuable skills whilst giving back to your community.

View flexible opportunities near you: https://orlo.uk/5IKMR and select the ‘under 18’ filter search option 🔍

Our Doncaster Dementia services just hit a high note with their new piano project! 🎹

Dementia goup members enjoyed an event hosted by our amazing staff and volunteers to celebrate their re-decorated piano, kindly donated by St Leger Homes Doncaster. This creative project helped them reflect on their lives, hobbies and interests. To highlight the service and the huge impact it has within the local community, the piano will be displayed in the Doncaster Civic Office building for everyone to enjoy.

A huge well done team. 😍❤

Want to be part of the Virtual Village Hall community?

Subscribe to our e-Newsletter and get exclusive updates on upcoming events, special weeks, tutor spotlights, and heartwarming stories from your fellow Virtual Villagers.

Sign up now: https://orlo.uk/rzWtL

enewletter sign up | Virtual Village Hall | Royal Voluntary Service Keep updated with our monthly eNewsletters to find out what’s happening at the Virtual Village Hall. Hear about what’s coming up, special weeks, tutor spotlights and stories from Virtual Villagers!

We know the value our volunteers bring, but it is always lovely to hear from people like Mandy who see it first-hand 🤩

We are so pleased that our volunteers can be there to provide additional support for NHS staff so they can care for their patients.

Huge thank you to our volunteers who support in a hospital setting – you make such a big difference 👏

Volunteering not only offers companionship for the people we support, but it can also grow meaningful connections for our volunteers too 😍

Angela joined our Mill End lunch club team shortly after moving into the area. Working from home full-time, Angela found remote working to be quite isolating. Volunteering was the perfect way to meet new people and since, Angela has made lifelong friends and has discovered a new passion for volunteering.

“Volunteering has opened my eyes to a whole new section of the community as I've never worked with older people before. They have a wealth of experience to share, we meet lots of interesting characters with wonderful stories to tell and we all benefit from each other’s company.

“Volunteering is so rewarding, and it gives me a real boost. Volunteering is a two-way street, and I must admit that I didn't realise how much I would get out of it until I tried it.”

A huge well done to Alan, one of our NHS and Care Volunteer Responders from Holmfirth, who has completed an outstanding 1,000 medication deliveries! 🤯

“There are little highlights every day. It helps those receiving treatment at home and recovering from a hospital stay have access to the medication and prescriptions they need to get back on their feet.

“I’d absolutely recommend volunteering to others, knowing you’ve made a difference is one of the best feelings.”

Feeling inspired? We’re currently recruiting more volunteers to join the programme! To find out more and sign up: https://orlo.uk/V20V9

After Jo and Mark received Mark’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they were recommended our Leicester Forest East dementia support group and since joining, it has become a key part of both of their weeks ❤

Jo said “Everything we do at the group helps to keep everyone’s minds active. It definitely gets Mark’s mind going and when he gets involved, I can see that it is exactly what he needs.”

“It’s nice to mix with people who are going through the same as us, and for me as a carer, it’s good to talk to other carers because otherwise, you might not speak to anyone who quite understands.”

We are so pleased that we can help people like Jo and Mark!

We are now on TikTok! 📣

Get a closer look at the work we do as a charity the only way we know how - through the very faces who help make it all happen 😍✨

To see what we get up to, give us a follow 📲 https://orlo.uk/xMLo0

RoyalVoluntaryService on TikTok 70 Followers, 80 Following, 92 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by RoyalVoluntaryService

Did you know that we have lunch clubs and social clubs operating across the country?

Our doors will be open over the summer holidays to provide a friendly and welcoming space for older people who wish to enjoy a hot meal or take part in a range of activities whilst connecting with people in their community.

Search our services to see if there is a club near you ➡ https://orlo.uk/crNOb

We’d like to thank Kathryn from How Are You Cambridge for coming along to our café at Meadows Community Centre and trying out our new ‘Friendship Table’ 😍

To help reduce loneliness, our team in Cambridge are running a Friendship Table and are inviting anyone who would like to drop in to have a friendly chat with other people within the community 🤝

The Friendship Table will be held every Wednesday from 1-3pm at the centre and will be available until 4 September. If you are in the area, pop in for a visit and join us for cuppa ☕

Huge well done to our team for coming up with this great idea to help keep people connected ❤

Could you volunteer and support vulnerable people in your local community this summer? ☀

Across England, our NHS and Care Volunteer Responders support communities and the NHS to help those in need by:

🛍 Assisting with food shopping and collecting prescriptions
🚗Delivering essential medical equipment to homes and heath sites
📞 Offer companionship to people through friendly check in phone calls
🤝Assisting people to engage in social activities and hobbies in and out of the home.

Volunteering is completely flexible and is managed through the Goodsam app, allowing volunteers to help make a difference in a way suitable for them.

Join our team of volunteers and sign up today: https://orlo.uk/f2ExT

When you completely ‘fall’ for our charity...😍🪂

A massive well done to our group of volunteers, Angela, Shirley, Janet and Michael, who took the plunge and got involved in a sponsored skydive to help raise vital funds for our Chesham House Centre in Lancing!

So far, the team have raised an outstanding £5,200 and are still accepting donations to the cause. To donate and show your support, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chesham-house-skydive

Thank you to Skydive Netheravon - Home of the Army Parachute Association for having us and to our amazing team – We hope you enjoyed the experience!

Did you know that Royal Voluntary Service is one of the largest retailers within the NHS?

We have shops, cafés and on ward refreshment trolleys in hospitals across the country! Through them, our volunteers offer a friendly chat whilst serving food and refreshments to patients, NHS staff and visitors.

There are lots of different ways to give back to the NHS and support your local community. See what volunteering opportunities are near you and sign up today: https://orlo.uk/Mhq1w

More than just a building - Our Community Centres offer the warmth of a supportive community. ❤

When William’s wife, Sylvia, was diagnosed with dementia, he devoted himself to her care. Sadly, after her passing, he suffered a stroke. Feeling isolated and struggling to cope, William sought support from his GP who recommended our Hanley Centre. William now looks forward to his twice-weekly visits to the Centre, where he enjoys gentle exercise, quizzes, and the company of new friends.

“Everyone is so friendly – the staff, the volunteers – everyone. I didn’t know anyone at all when I first came here, but I have lots of friends now.”

“Being retired, I felt like my time could be better spent to support vulnerable people, people who were older or had a disability. If you have the ability to incorporate volunteering into your life, I highly recommend it, it is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”

We are always in awe of volunteers and the time they dedicate to helping others 🤩

Huge well done Paul, one of our fantastic NHS and Care Volunteer Responders Community Response Volunteers in Lytham St Annes, who in just four years, has completed an outstanding 2,700 volunteering tasks 🤯

If you’re based in England and want to join our growing community of dedicated Volunteer Responders, head to: https://orlo.uk/4KcJD

We’d like to give a huge congratulations to one of our , Molly, Founder of The Love Your Period Campaign, who has received a British Citizens People’s Honour Award at Westminster Palace for her service towards healthcare. 👏🤩

Molly has spent the past 5 years campaigning with Love Your Period, now an international network of 75 volunteers all doing their own amazing work in supporting young people and women’s health.

Crowned as one of our Coronation Champions, Molly also worked with us last year as part of our Community Champions project supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. As a Community Champion, she delivered talks to local groups and public schools to encourage others to volunteer.

Well done Molly, you are truly an inspiration, and you should be so proud of what you have accomplished 🤩

Wish to set yourself a new challenge? Join Team Royal Voluntary Service and run in this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon! 🏃‍🏃‍♀️

Every step you take helps to raise funds to support the NHS and people in hospitals and communities up and down the country.

Limited spaces are available so if interested, book your place at: https://orlo.uk/AM9Xz

Did you know that our NHS and Care Volunteer Responders provide support to help people across England reconnect with their community and improve their wellbeing?

As a Connect Volunteer, you could...

☕ Take someone to the local coffee shop
🚌 Assist a person on public transport
🚶‍♀️ Go for a walk around the park with someone

These small activities are vital to reduce social isolation and offer companionship to someone who would benefit from having a listening ear and a friendly chat 🤝

Could you provide this support in your community? To find out more and register to become a Volunteer Responder, visit: https://orlo.uk/OA66H

Want to try something new this summer? ☀

Our First Time For Everything programme, supported by People's Postcode Lottery, gives older people the chance to try a range of exciting activities in our social clubs for free while connecting with others in their local community!

The activities on offer support physical wellbeing, mental health and digital literacy because staying active and social has been proven to be important to keeping fit and well.

Our events are currently available at selected locations across England, Scotland and Wales. To learn more about the social activities happening near you, visit: https://orlo.uk/virE6

Summer holidays are approaching! Could you help your community?

You could lend a hand by:

☕️ Offering refreshments to patients, hospital staff and visitors in one of our cafés.
🚗 Providing transport to hospital appointments.
❤️️ Supporting local dementia groups.

Whether you wish to start volunteering, gain valuable experience whilst taking a break from studies or just want to give something back to your community, we have a range of roles that are flexible so you can volunteer around other commitments.

To sign up to volunteer with us in your area, visit: https://orlo.uk/Jpj6S

Volunteer roles and opportunities | Royal Voluntary Service Interested in volunteering in your local community or hospital? Enter your postcode and browse through the volunteer roles we have available in your area.

Today, we’d like to wish Our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy Birthday! 🥳

Thank you for everything you have done for us as a charity over the years. From attending our events and meeting our volunteers and the people we support, to helping shine a light on the impact of volunteering, we really appreciate your continuous support The Royal Family

New friends and purpose in unexpected places, the magic of volunteering. ✨

Last year, Millie started volunteering at our dementia support group in Wales to gain experience to support her future career in social work but what she discovered was even more rewarding.

“I’ve learnt many transferable skills in my role and volunteering has massively improved my confidence and has allowed me to make friends for life with my fellow volunteers and staff.

“It also gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel fulfilled, as I get to put smiles on people’s faces. I can’t wait to continue volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service.”

Thank you, Millie, for helping people living with dementia. Groups like this are so valuable for them and their carers 👏❤

Royal Voluntary Service Royal Voluntary Service supports people, communities and the NHS in every part of Great Britain.

This is how we know that our volunteers see the true value of what they do. 😍

Jim, who has been a volunteer with us in Forth Valley for over 7 years, wrote this lovely poem ‘A Welcoming Word’. This poem reminds us that whatever the need, big or small, our volunteers are always on hand to help in any way they can. ❤

If you or anyone you know could benefit from the range of services we offer, visit our website and search what we have operating within your area: https://orlo.uk/VyGyx

Royal Voluntary Service Royal Voluntary Service supports people, communities and the NHS in every part of Great Britain.

Could you help support the NHS by transporting vital medicine and equipment to patients at home from a health site?

As part of our NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme, we are on the lookout for more volunteers to step forward across England to help provide this essential support for the NHS in their community.

To find out more and to register as a Volunteer Responder visit: https://orlo.uk/lVyXc

Our Home Library Service offers more than books, it’s a chance to connect. 💖

For Jean, limited mobility stopped her from going to her local library's reading group which she loved. So, Jean signed up to our Home Library Service in Norfolk which has brought books and friendly chats to her doorstep, keeping her connected and enjoying the hobbies she loves.

“The Home Library Service is just fantastic. Everybody is lovely. The staff and volunteers are so helpful and the service itself has helped me tremendously. It’s so good to have visitors, to have a friendly face to chat to.”

We are so pleased that we can help so many people like Jean to keep up with their hobbies whilst keeping them connected 🙌

Signing up for The Big Help Out is now in full swing!

Could you volunteer to help the NHS and vulnerable people through our vital services here at Royal Voluntary Service?

We're throwing open our doors and invite you to try volunteering for yourself. From our lunch clubs and social clubs to our hospital cafés, you could play a big part in supporting your community.

Want to see if volunteering is right for you? To sign up to our range of opportunities visit ➡ https://orlo.uk/G5VS2

Playing my Part in Volunteering | Royal Voluntary Service Play your part in volunteering to see rewards including making friends and community connections, boosting confidence, employment prospects & health benefits.