Network members discuss befrienders, technology, wheelchairs and the Veterans Covenant
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Created by Debbie Ambrose Last updated 8 days ago Tags:
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Debbie Ambrose
25 March 2025 at 8:37am
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General Discussion
19 March 2025
This discussion session started off with a great question about how can organisations use intelligence between what happens in hospitals and working with the voluntary sector to help stop people repeatedly returning to A&E after discharge. It was felt that to reduce A&E numbers there needs to be much more of a community focus.
The role of volunteer befrienders was discussed:
Challenges
Useful links:
Befrienders on Wards
One mental health hospital starts the befriending process before the patient has been discharged, taking them to the hospital canteen for a coffee and chat then progressing to a short walk within 10 minutes of the hospital allowing a relationship to develop organically. The volunteers are fully briefed on the discharge care plan by staff so that they know what they are working towards so there is also a good relationship between the volunteer and the ward manager.
Befrienders in the community
Encouraging people to get out of their home by arranging to accompany them to an activity or medical appointment. Volunteers should never enter homes but arrange to meet outside or at the venue.
Connect with Age UK, they can often help with transport to get people out and about.
Volunteer mentors
SSAFA, a military charity, has volunteer mentors that support people when they are transitioning from military into civilian life.
Helping patients with technology
This part of the discussion centred around people who were mostly housebound and finding people who could help to teach them how to use it.
There are charities available that can help, and some were able to persuade their IT department to hold events.
Smartphones are second nature to young people and one organisation often has young volunteers supporting older patients with the general basics so that they don’t miss appointments.
It was hoped that part of the 10-year plan will include a focus on digital support for patients.
Volunteering for Health Programme
In Hertfordshire and West Essex, they are looking at how they can foster collaborations and the infrastructure that is needed to enable people to volunteer across sector organisations and into hospital trusts.
Volunteers pushing Wheelchairs
Patients often require some assistance on arrival at a hospital. For example, they may not be able to walk the distance to get to their appointment.
In some organisations it can be deemed to have volunteers taking on the paid role of a porter, so the boundaries need to be very clear.
The advice from the group was:
Useful template:
Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance
Three of our guests were new regional trainers for the VCHA. Their priority will be to support and educate staff who are working with the armed forces community. To find out more take a look at these website pages: