NHS Volunteers - Chat here!

[TokyoSushi]

I've looked but can't seem to find a thread so thought I'd start one here, I've volunteered for the NHS transport role, delivering supplies, equipment and prescriptions. I'm all set up with my app ready to go and waiting for an alert!

Anybody else had anything to do yet? I think they said that things might start coming through after 31st March.

[LennyPugGoat]

I've just had a team's meeting interview for 999, showed them all my verification docs as well as emailed them, contacting my references today so one step closer...

[EvenFlo2]

What does that post involve lennypuggoat?

[TokyoSushi]

I've just had another really detailed email from them explaining what each job entails and how to go about it. They said that they're just doing a soft launch at the moment involving only about 1000 people so not to worry if you've not had an alert, it will be picking up very soon!

Also said that they'll reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses while volunteering.

[mightyminty]

@TokyoSushi that’s interesting I’ve also been verified and gone live. I was wondering what the next step was, but hopefully will hear soon.

[SingingBabooshkaBadly]

Hello - glad I’ve found you!

I’ve volunteered for the check in and chat calls only due to DH being in a vulnerable group. I’ve downloaded the app but can’t really work out how you get the numbers to call. The app seems more geared towards physical responders.

Or entirely possible I’m being a bit dense...

[TokyoSushi]

Hello everybody! It seems today is the day we 'go live' and any requests will come through.

Anybody had anything yet?

[EvenFlo2]

Nope, nothing here! There are loads of other little green men near me on the app.
The roll out of this has been a bit low on detail hasn’t it!

[sunglasses123]

I wonder if this is just a PR exercise to make us feel better. I have been 'On Duty' for nearly a week and have had nothing! DS volunteered and got no response back. Both of us are fully mobile and can move at a moments notice.

The app I think I was used for something else previously but even so. It doesnt seem well managed. I have my own views about why this is but its to do with the competency of the people organising it....

[Casino218]

I'm volunteering but as a registered nurse. I work in a university now. Just trying to complete all the numerous on line learning I need to do. Picking up my uniform next week. Quite nervous but looking forward to it. Respiratory Nursing was my area so Im keen to help now.

[EvenFlo2]

I am also a bit suspicious that this is a PR stunt of some kind.
I’m an ex psychiatrist - I couldn’t with good conscience go back to ‘physical medicine’ as it’s been too long since I left. I offered to return to my old mental health trust but they declined (secretly I am glad as I left there because of bullying).

This volunteering seemed like something I could do but we shall see.

[Mooserp]

I can't report on duty today. Keep getting an error message.

Anyone else?

[MrsMGE]

Hi all. I'm still working full time, but hoping to be able to do some volunteering. I saw the DBS question and tbh did not know how to answer. I'm a solicitor, DBS-checked but a while ago (we're all checked at the point of admission) and a DBS check is only accurate at the time of issue. Does this mean I have a valid DBS check?

[mightyminty]

Has anyone else actually started on any tasks? I report for duty every day but not receiving any notifications. Are we still waiting for something?

[Bathroom12345]

I think sadly this is a massive con. Two friends one of whom is London and the other in Birmingham have had zero tasks. I sign on every day and have had nothing either.

It makes us feel better but there is nothing behind it.

[Mooserp]

Anybody seen any action yet?

[Motorina]

A GP friend was singing the praises of the volunteers service - really helping her to get prescriptions and medications where needed.

[Mooserp]

I got an alert! It confused me, didn't know where the siren was coming from

However, when I called the chap it turned out he didn't need anything. He's recorded as being in the shielding group but has people getting his shopping and prescriptions for him.

[TheDogsMother]

24th April, 186 hours on call and not a single alert ! Its a real shame but maybe people are getting more local help than anticipated.

[jobhunter7]

Here's something you can do if you want to help and can work a sewing machine:

[TheDogsMother]

Thanks jobhunter, time to dust off the sewing machine. I find it so worrying that our govt are still saying this is voluntary. I'm sure its because they don't want the public panic buying when key workers don't have PPE but even to recommend wearing home made masks makes so much sense.

[jobhunter7]

@TheDogsMother

Getting CRB checks done takes time, asking people to get behind a sewing machine or to use a needle & thread seems much faster... I wish Bojo or Hancock would do this... there are lots of great people out there who are just waiting to help...

[MarginalGain]

I signed up the first day available, was quickly approved and added to the list, I have the app activated but I haven't been assigned anything.

I'm in Zone 1 London so I'm a bit surprised. I find the app very confusing and wonder if I'm missing some kind of setting, anyone else?

[MarginalGain]

A GP friend was singing the praises of the volunteers service - really helping her to get prescriptions and medications where needed.

I am losing my mind out of boredom, I would love to deliver prescriptions! Sounds great.

[redcarbluecar]

I’m all set up on it but not had any alerts yet, so will follow this with interest

[pinkunicorn20]

I'm waiting to do a teams call to verify my identity for a dbs as my current ones aren't on the update system, this is to volunteer as part of the chat and check service.

The whole process has been really quick, would have been quicker if I had thought to check my spam folders!!