The Health Captains programme will work with local providers of health to encourage them to utilise volunteers in a range of new roles. These might include:

• Long Term Conditions Buddies – matching individuals who are newly diagnosed with a condition with a volunteer who is experienced in either self-managing or caring for an individual with that condition.
• Appointment Buddies – volunteers assigned to accompany individuals to medical appointments to help them digest the information given.
• Ward support – volunteers providing support and companionship to patients on hospital wards, both during their stay and in the transition to their return home.
• Telephone Befriending – volunteer befriending service aimed at supporting individuals who are lonely or isolated.
• Digital Navigator – volunteers to assist patient’s skills and motivation in utilising digital health technology.
• Community Empowerers – volunteers to accompany individuals to community provision, such as exercise classes, whilst their confidence is built to feel more able to attend alone.
• Good Neighbours – scheme aimed at recruiting ‘good neighbours’ aimed at identifying individuals who may be isolated or struggling.
• Mentors – volunteers recruited for their ability to relate to or emphasise with certain individuals and can provide the trusted specialist support.