Coronation Calls initiative launched for The Big Help Out

The NHS Volunteer Responders programme has joined the long list of organisations and charities offering thousands of opportunities to try volunteering to support the NHS as part of The Big Help Out. Other health related organisations registered include Royal Voluntary Service, Age UK, St John Ambulance and Stroke Association.

People are being encouraged to give volunteering a go with the NHS Volunteer Responders’ Check In and Chat service, and have a meaningful phone call over the Coronation month.

To launch the initiative, star of stage and screen Felicity Kendal, made the first Coronation Call to 75-year-old Bill Stanley, who receives volunteer support to improve his wellbeing as he recovers from agoraphobia and depression.

 “The time flew by when Bill and I were chatting and we spent almost an hour on the phone. He shared some stories that I thought were real gems, and he was very modest when I told him this. We had plenty to talk about and found that there was a lot we had in common, including very similar birthdays. I think that we got along brilliantly, and I hope that Bill thinks so too.

“Speaking to someone brand new can be joy for the person on either end of the phone. It encourages us it listen, share and connect, and can have a marvellous impact on both people’s wellbeing. I truly enjoyed talking to Bill and hope to speak to him again soon.”

Felicity Kendal

“We just hit it off straight away, which is unbelievable really. Felicity was incredibly friendly and was fascinated with some of my stories from the world of magic and growing up with my father who was a professional Magic dealer and Magician. And she shared her own stories about growing up in India and working in theatre.

“This phone call has done me the world of good. When we spoke about some of the difficulties I’ve overcome, she said ‘I think you’re very brave’, and I thanked her. It is wonderful to speak to someone who is so genuinely interested.

“I took myself by surprise when I first agreed to receive check in calls from a volunteer, because at the time I wasn’t socialising and I had become disconnected from a lot of people, but they have since been brilliant for my wellbeing and I haven’t looked back. I’m very grateful for the calls, and I can’t recommend them enough.”

Bill Stanley

Through Check In and Chat, volunteers across England offer friendly conversation, support and a listening ear to those who need it. These calls can boost the mood, wellbeing and even the health of the person on the other end of the phone.

Spaces are limited, so those eager to lend a hand can register on The Big Help Out app or via thebighelpout.org.uk, where they’ll be able to sign up to make Coronation Calls. It’s quick, clear and easy to find and register for opportunities.

For those who might be on their own over the Coronation weekend, or who are perhaps recovering from a hospital stay and facing health struggles, a friendly conversation with a volunteer can make a massive difference. Those who feel they would benefit from a Coronation Call, or more generally from the listening ear of a Check In and Chat Volunteer, can sign up for the service by calling 0808 196 3646 and can find more information at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.

The Big Help Out is a formal part of the Coronation celebrations and was devised by some of Britain’s leading charities, including Royal Voluntary Service and Scouts, and thousands of smaller local groups. It is encouraging people to try out one of the thousands of volunteering opportunities available in The Big Help Out app, and help make a change.

As well as encouraging newcomers to volunteering, The Big Help Out aims to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.

“We are extremely grateful to our incredible volunteers who make a huge contribution to support the health and wellbeing of the nation - we already know what a difference a friendly phone call can make to someone feeling isolated or in need of support through the Check In and Chat service, and how much this can lift their spirits.

“As we approach the 75^th birthday of the NHS, we are celebrating the role of volunteers over the last 75 years and we are encouraging people to sign up - there are more than 300 different types of role that help us so people can volunteer all year round and offer an extra layer of support to communities – while also helping our staff in providing the best care possible.”

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England had a Coronation Call with Jean Gill (91) from Maldon, Essex. 

As the NHS marks its 75^th birthday on 5 July, it is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead to shape the next 75. Those eager to be involved in volunteering opportunities within the NHS can find information online.

 “The benefits of volunteering are boundless. It improves people’s lives, raises awareness of causes, boosts volunteers’ wellbeing, and plays a huge role in supporting health and care. And that’s just the start, which is why The Big Help Out is such a wonderful, genius idea.

“By removing boundaries and encouraging everyone to see for themselves what can be achieved through volunteering, we can inspire the next generation of volunteers.”

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

For further information