A VOLUNTEER has reached an impressive milestone, completing over 1,000 medication deliveries to support Barnsley Hospital patients and the NHS.
Through the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders’ Pick Up and Deliver service, volunteers like Alan Frear collect essential medication and medical devices from the hospital and deliver it to patients at home. This means that people can start their recovery journey without delay, from the comfort of their home. It also helps reduce demands on the hospital, helping to free up hospital beds for other people in need.
Alan, who lives in Holmfirth, has been an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder for three years, supporting the health and wellbeing of people across South and West Yorkshire. He found his calling for volunteering during the pandemic as a Steward at local COVID-19 vaccination sites. His dedication has helped support some of the most vulnerable people in the community, alongside contributing to the success of the biggest vaccination programme in history. Alan now continues to give back through the Pick Up and Deliver service.
Alan is one of over 40,000 volunteers making a difference through NHS and Care Volunteer Responders. The programme is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM, to support the NHS and healthcare teams across England. Alan hopes his achievement of 1,000 deliveries will encourage fellow Yorkshire residents to step forward and give volunteering a go.
Alan said: “There are little highlights every day. In this role, I pick up prescriptions from hospitals and deliver them to people at home. 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.”
Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: "Making 1,000 deliveries is a highly impressive accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud and thankful for Alan’s efforts. His hard work has undeniably made a positive impact in Yorkshire, supporting the NHS, healthcare teams, and those most vulnerable in his community.
“I’d encourage anyone feeling inspired to give back to visit our website and become a volunteer today. Whether you go on to complete one task, or one thousand, a single action can be all it takes to make a difference.”
Volunteering with NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is completely flexible and is managed through the GoodSAM smartphone app, allowing volunteers to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people in their area, and remotely, at times and locations that suit them.
Those wanting to make a difference can visit the website for more details on the volunteer activities available and how to sign up: nhscarevolunteerresponders.org
