Skip to main content

About Royal Voluntary Service

In every corner of Britain, Royal Voluntary Service mobilises volunteers to support people in need and the NHS.

Our volunteers work with healthcare teams and in communities providing practical help and emotional support when people are struggling to cope.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering organisations providing vital, responsive services which support public health, social care and wellbeing. Our volunteers support the NHS and people in need, with the aim of building resilience in local communities.

The support we provide, from bringing people home from hospital to running home libraries and providing companionship support, promote better health, social interaction and connection and relieve the pressure on NHS and Care.

Her Majesty The Queen became our Patron in May 2024.

Volunteering is for everyone. Play your part.

Start your volunteering journey with Royal Voluntary Service and find out how you can support your local communities and the NHS.

Keep connected to stay well this winter

Sign up for telephone support services from NHS and Care Volunteer Responders & Royal Voluntary Service.
Older man smiling to camera while holding his mobile phone

Living well with dementia

Thousands of people caring for loved ones with dementia are being left to cope alone.
A man and a woman walking arm in arm outside on the street in a city environment

Our services

Find out what's in your area. These are just some of the broad range of services we offer across England, Scotland & Wales.

Supporting people

From Community Companions to home library services, we support you to stay safe, well and connected to your communities.

Take me there

Social activities

From lunch clubs to activity clubs & events, both online or face-to-face, staying social helps you remain healthy and active.

Take me there

Dementia support

From Remember Me cafés to Living Well with Dementia groups, we help those who live with dementia to retain the lifestyle they enjoy.

Take me there

Buy a cuppa for a hard working hospital hero

Buy a hot drink or lunch for NHS workers across Britain to say ‘thank you’! Give just £3 to buy a hot drink or £5 to buy a lunch at one of our hospital shops and cafés.

Get involved

Here are just some of the many ways you can support Royal Voluntary Service.

Volunteering in your area

Whether you volunteer to help out at your local hospital or within your community, just a few hours from your week can make a big difference.

Make a difference

Start fundraising

Help us raise funds to maintain our services and support volunteers so they can help those in need in local communities and the NHS.

Fundraise for us

Donate now

There are many different ways to donate. From joining in our weekly lottery or appeals, find out other ways you can contribute to our cause.

Ways to donate

Meet our volunteers

See some of our amazing volunteers and hear about the difference they make...

Virtual Village Hall

The Virtual Village Hall brings people together for a programme of themed online sessions led by expert tutors for fun, to learn and to aid physical and mental health.
An older couple doing Yoga at home

Latest news

Keep up to date with the latest news on volunteering and what's happening at Royal Voluntary Service.