This snapshot, taken on 07/04/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Last updated: 14 December 2009
14 December 2009
The Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund, will pave the way for a renewed focus on volunteering projects in the NHS and social care. It replaces the Opportunities for Volunteering (OFV) scheme which has been running since 1982. The new scheme will support local volunteering projects in health and social care. The scheme will award grants for dozens of volunteer projects which could include schemes such as providing friendship and support to vulnerable adults, community services for disabled children and help for those living with and affected by HIV. It will prioritise projects which work towards key aims such as improving adult social care and reducing health inequalities.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope said:
“Volunteers do an amazing job and are vital to the lifeblood of the NHS and social care services.
“This new funding system will offer more scope for national projects in areas such as obesity, smoking and young people’s health. It will make our money work harder by opening up funding opportunities to more organisations.”
The scheme will be managed by a partnership including leading national third sector bodies, Attend, Community Service Volunteers (CSV) and Prime Timers working with ECOTEC.
The new Fund’s central administration will ensure value for money and mean that any third sector organisation can apply for funding. It will also be more thorough in contributing to promoting best practice for partnerships between the NHS, social care and third sector organisations. By evaluating the success of all funded projects and sharing new learning and good practice, it will help strengthen the bonds between local commissioners and third sector organisations.
Carolyn Hay on behalf of the partnership, said:
"Our partnership is delighted to have been invited to develop this new fund for the Department of Health. The four partners have a wealth of third sector experience and extensive grant management expertise. We see this as a fantastic opportunity for all involved to build a positive future for volunteering in health and social care."
The website address for the fund is http://www.volunteeringfund.com/ and the helpline number is 0845 172 8058.