Vulnerable people can directly contact the army of NHS Volunteer Responders during lockdown

Over 600,000 volunteers have been approved to help those most at risk who are isolating at home from coronavirus.

In its two weeks of operation, healthcare practitioners, pharmacists and local authority and social care staff have enlisted the help of volunteers via the service to carry out around 35,000 tasks to date.

This includes delivering medicines, shopping and other supplies as well as making calls to check in on those isolating at home.

The huge number of volunteers who have stepped forward means the NHS and Royal Voluntary Service can not only help the 1.5 million people shielding from the virus, but also those identified as vulnerable or receiving care in the community.

NHS national medical director, Professor Stephen Powis said: "The public has stepped up in numbers even greater than we hoped, to give their time supporting the heroic efforts of NHS and social care staff fighting this virus at the front line.

"The scale of the public response means volunteers will be brought in to help look after a wider group of people who need support from this army of volunteers."

Chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, Catherine Johnstone CBE added: "The selflessness of our volunteers has inspired the nation, and we've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we've received since the launch. Demonstrating the continued love and support of our NHS in this difficult time has given hope to everyone working on the frontline."

The NHS and Royal Voluntary Service are now taking steps to make the service more personalised for people who need support and increase referrals into the programme, including enabling self-referral for those most at risk and continuing to raise awareness of the programme in GP practices, pharmacies and with local authorities and social care providers.

For more information, visit: www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk