Responding to today’s (Monday 10th March 2008) report by Baroness Julia Neuberger on volunteering in health and social care services, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, Executive Director of UK volunteering charity, CSV, said:
“Every government department of state, including those for health and social care, should launch a strategy to involve citizens in its work and support volunteer involvement.
“As Barack Obama’s campaign manager put it: ‘Don’t just talk at people, give them something useful to do.’
“Volunteers add value to the work of professionals across many public services including in schools, hospitals, prisons, crime prevention and social services. They reduce re-offending, transform the lives of mental health service users and work powerfully with the families of children ‘at risk’.
“Government should require training for doctors, nurses and social workers to include citizen engagement through volunteering in their roles.
“Successive governments have affirmed the value of volunteers in both service delivery and as strengtheners of civil society and builders of social capital. Were volunteers not involved, the nation would be in crisis as frail older people, mental health service users and abused children lost their critical support.
“However, there are essential costs for: recruiting, screening, checking, matching, supporting and recognising volunteers. It is time that Government meet these costs, so that volunteer organisers can focus their energy and skills on involving citizens; not endlessly fundraising to help it happen.”
Further press information: Jason Tanner, CSV Press Office on 020 7812 0038 / 07941 433598
Notes for editors
1) Volunteering in the Public Services: Health and Social Care can be downloaded at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/upload/assets/www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/neuberger.pdf
2) CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. In 2006/7 229,869 people gave time as volunteers through CSV. CSV trained 12,309 people of all ages and linked 29,000 people to learning through BBC Local Radio. www.csv.org.uk