FAQs for people receiving volunteer support

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What if I don’t get on with the person supporting me?

It’s important to us that you have a positive experience, if you are not enjoying your interactions with a volunteer, please let us know by calling our Support Team on 0808 196 3646 and we can hopefully find another volunteer to support you.

Can I request a male or female volunteer?

We don’t currently have the ability to match volunteers in this way, you can contact the Support Team if you want to request a different volunteer on 0808 196 3646.

Do I have to pay for the volunteer to take part in the activity with me?

No, Volunteers are aware that they need to pay for themselves and will then be able to claim back reasonable expenses.

Will the volunteer pay for me to take part in activities?

No, you should have been made aware by the referrer that you will need to pay for your own activities and any expenses related to them e.g. bus fare, ingredients for baking, entry to any social groups or clubs, or subsistence when out and about.

Can the volunteer stay with me all day?

The maximum time a volunteer can stay with you in your home is 2 hours, this increases up to 4 hours if you have requested support in the community. 

Can the volunteer do chores for me, cleaning, washing, gardening etc?

No, the volunteer is there to support/enable you to take part in activities. Volunteers are not there to replace the work of paid employees or care staff.

The volunteer supporting me is encouraging me to take part in things I don’t want to do, what can I do about this?

The volunteer is there to support you in things that you have requested via the referrer, if you don’t feel comfortable with any activities a volunteer is suggesting, politely decline and inform our Support Team on 0808 196 3646 who will follow up with the volunteer.

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Page last reviewed: 01 December 2023