People's stories
Here's how Royal Voluntary Service volunteers help people keep doing the things that make a difference to their lives.
More than a helping hand
For the people we support, our services are rarely about the task itself. It's not really the lift to the hospital, or the shopping bag carried up the stairs - it's the appointment kept, the fridge that's full, the independence held onto for another week.
We hear it in almost every conversation: our volunteers don't just fill a gap, they help someone carry on living the life they'd choose for themselves - seeing friends, staying in their own home, getting to the allotment, or simply having someone to talk to.
Staying independent at home
Companionship and practical help that make everyday life easier to manage alone.
Stephen - telephone support
"Calls with Care really has been life changing, and the calls have added a much-needed boost to my life."
Read Stephen's story
Robin - Supporting your recovery
"I felt very alone and worried a lot about how I was going to cope."
Read Robin's story
Stephen - telephone support
"Calls with Care really has been life changing, and the calls have added a much-needed boost to my life."
Read Stephen's story
Robin - Supporting your recovery
"I felt very alone and worried a lot about how I was going to cope."
Read Robin's storyThese are just some of the ways our volunteers help people stay independent at home.
Getting out & about
Lifts to appointments, the shops, and the places that keep life feeling normal.
Ray - transport services
"It makes the world of difference having the same person pick you up and take you home."
Read Ray's story
Eileen - transport services
"Without Royal Voluntary Service I just don't know what I'd do. I'd have to decide which appointments I could afford to miss."
Read Eileen's story
Ray - transport services
"It makes the world of difference having the same person pick you up and take you home."
Read Ray's story
Eileen - transport services
"Without Royal Voluntary Service I just don't know what I'd do. I'd have to decide which appointments I could afford to miss."
Read Eileen's storyA lift to the shops or an appointment can make all the difference, see how we help people get out and about.
Staying connected
Lunch clubs, activity groups and friendly faces that keep loneliness at bay.
Doreen - lunch club
"I needed people to talk to, and something to look forward to every week."
Read Doreen's story
Mina - social centre
"If I didn’t come to the Royal Voluntary Service centre each week, I’d be sat staring at the same four walls all day, every day.”
Read Mina's story
Doreen - lunch club
"I needed people to talk to, and something to look forward to every week."
Read Doreen's story
Mina - social centre
"If I didn’t come to the Royal Voluntary Service centre each week, I’d be sat staring at the same four walls all day, every day.”
Read Mina's storyCompany, conversation and a reason to get out, see how our social activities keep people connected.
Living well with dementia
Familiar routines and patient companionship that help people stay themselves.
Albert & Maureen - dementia group
"The group is so important to us both, it's great to socialise and meet new people."
Read Albert & Maureen's story
Jo & Mark - dementia group
"The group helps me to use my brain, it gets me thinking rather than just sitting around and letting it get worse."
Read Jo & Mark's story
Albert & Maureen - dementia group
"The group is so important to us both, it's great to socialise and meet new people."
Read Albert & Maureen's story
Jo & Mark - dementia group
"The group helps me to use my brain, it gets me thinking rather than just sitting around and letting it get worse."
Read Jo & Mark's storySee how our dementia-friendly services help people stay engaged, active and connected.
Every story starts with someone reaching out
Whether it's for yourself, a parent, friend or a neighbour you're worried about - there's a service here that can help.
Can you support us?
Your donation could mean everything to someone struggling to cope alone.
Interested in volunteering?
With your help, Royal Voluntary Service can continue to be a lifeline in communities and hospitals.
We support NHS Trusts and the wider integrated care system
Royal Voluntary Service works with local and national partners to provide flexible tailor-made service solutions in people's homes and in healthcare settings.