Volunteering Strategy
& Delivery
Using our proven methodologies, we help healthcare organisations design, implement, embed and measure the impact of volunteering initiatives that address local challenges, strengthen community connections, and deliver lasting results.
Helping healthcare organisations create lasting impact
Since Helpforce was founded in 2017, we have developed more than 180 volunteering services with over 100 healthcare organisations across the UK.
We know these services make a difference because we evaluate every programme to ensure it delivers meaningful outcomes and measurable impact.
We are experts at:
Improving patient flow
We work with organisations to explore opportunities that can safely embed volunteers within operational pathways to support discharge processes, ward activity and patient navigation.
Reducing Did not Attend (DNA) rates:
Missed appointments remain a significant challenge for the NHS, with more than 8 million hospital appointments not attended each year.
We help organisations develop volunteer-led services that support patients to overcome barriers to attending appointments.
Strengthening neighbourhood health:
Helpforce brings the NHS, local government, charities and places together - harnessing volunteering and community capacity to deliver and evaluate integrated, locally-led solutions that improve neighbourhood health outcomes.
Our work in action
98%
of patients were collected within 30 minutes of discharge through a Volunteer Discharge Drivers Service, co-designed by Helpforce and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.
(N=666)
28%
reduction in 'did not attend' rates for bone density scans across Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital achieved, thanks to a volunteer-led service co-designed by Helpforce and NHS partners to reduce missed imaging appointments.
(N=818)
£11.6m
of avoided NHS costs in one year were identified through Helpforce’s evaluation of a trailblazing 'Community Gateway and Hub Network' in Cornwall, showing how neighbourhood support can reduce pressure on frontline services while improving wellbeing, independence and access to care closer to home.
Thanks to the partnership with Helpforce, our Volunteer Discharge Drivers are doing incredible work to support patients, improve their hospital experience, and support timely discharge so that they can get back to their homes sooner.
Our approach
Our expert team takes partners through a tried and tested process – Adopt and Adapt – to establish bespoke volunteer services that tackle their organisational challenges, fit their situation, and optimise integration between health and community services.
1
Define objectives and success measures
We work with organisations to agree what success looks like, clarify priorities, identify key stakeholders and set practical delivery milestones.
2
We work with partners to co-design and deliver impactful programmes
We collaborate with teams and stakeholders to co-design, implement, and deliver new programmes of work that are practical, engaging, and aligned with organisational priorities.
3
Build team capability and confidence
We coach and support organisations' teams throughout programme delivery - building the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to independently manage and sustain programmes.
4
Secure senior buy-in and strategic alignment
We engage senior leaders and stakeholders to build support, embed volunteering into wider operational and strategic priorities, and ensure programmes have long-term organisational value.
5
Keep delivery on track
We manage programme timelines, milestones, and priorities to ensure work stays on schedule, with clear accountability and momentum from planning through to delivery.
Case study
Powering patient flow in Worcestershire
The need
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) wanted to improve patient flow and patient experience, with a particular focus on helping people leave hospital safely and sooner.
Helpforce's solution
Our expert support helped fast-track the project, moving from set-up to developing a clear evaluation framework, within just a few weeks.
We shared proven practices and practical resources, including templates, steering group recommendations and guidance on standard operating procedures - giving the Trust a strong foundation to get the project off the ground quickly and effectively.
Result
-
Across a 10-month period, 3,647 priority tasks were undertaken by volunteers, generating 427 hours of productivity gains and supporting over 4,000 patients
-
95% of clinical staff said volunteers improved their working lives, while77% said volunteers freed up their time
Watch the Discharge Response Volunteers in action at WAHT
Collaborating with us
We work on projects funded by ICSs, NHS trusts and other healthcare organisations to introduce new or improved volunteering services tackling key challenges, such as improving patient flow, building workforce, improving access to healthcare and reducing health inequalities.
Thanks to charitable trusts and other generous funders, we can sometimes provide support to help organisations develop new or existing volunteering services at no direct cost to them.
Contact us to find out how we can work with you.
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