Community Response Volunteers
Sometimes a little practical help can make a big difference. Our Community Response Volunteers provide the kind of everyday support that a friend or neighbour might typically offer, helping people through a difficult period and supporting them to remain safe and independent at home.
How we may be able to help
Community Response Volunteers often help people with everyday tasks, either one-off or short term, such as:
- grocery shopping
- collecting a prescription
- walking a dog or other pet care
- dropping in to check someone is OK
- popping in for a chat and a cuppa
- gardening
- moving furniture
- accessing food bank support
- errands, post, admin or basic IT support
Every person’s circumstances are different, so if the support you need isn’t listed above, please get in touch and we can talk through whether we may be able to help.
What we can't provide
Community Response Volunteers can provide practical everyday help with simple tasks that a friend or family my typically do. We cannot provide any regulated activities, such as personal care or medication prompting, and volunteers are unable to do cleaning or provide respite care. We are also unable to support someone who needs help long-term, or where the help is essential to the health or wellbeing.
If Community Response isn’t the right service, our team may be able to help identify or signpost you towards other appropriate support.
Making a referral
If you’re a professional supporting people in Dorset Council area, you may know someone who could benefit from Community Response. You can make a referral to our team via our online form.
Each referral is considered based on the person’s circumstances and the support available at the time.
Once we receive your referral, our team will consider whether Community Response may be able to provide the support needed and will contact you if we need any further information.
If you’re a friend or family member of someone who may benefit from Community Response, you can contact us.
You don’t need to be certain that Community Response is the right service before contacting us. If you’d prefer to talk through the person’s circumstances and the support they may need, we’re happy to have an informal conversation first.
Community Response in action:
Susan and Diane's Story
When Diane’s mobility became more limited, getting out of the house became increasingly difficult. Her son contacted Volunteer Centre Dorset to see whether someone could accompany her on a weekly walk or simply pop in for a cup of tea.
Susan, a Community Response volunteer, was introduced to Diane and the two quickly developed a friendship. Their regular visits give Diane the confidence to get out, enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and have company to look forward to. For Susan, volunteering is an opportunity to meet someone new, build a genuine connection and make a difference through something as simple as spending time together.
“After a few weeks I was able to call her a real friend – and you can’t ask for more than that!”
Could you help someone in your community?
Our Community Response service is made possible by volunteers who are willing to lend a hand when someone nearby needs a little practical help.
You might collect someone’s shopping or prescription, walk a dog, help with a small task at home, or simply check in on someone who could use a bit of support. Volunteering can be flexible, and even occasional help can make a real difference to someone in your community.
We’ll support you to find ways to get involved that work with your interests, availability and the kind of help you’re comfortable providing.