'Be a NHS hero' people encouraged to be part of volunteer army this lockdown

In the spring more than 500,000 people nationally responded to the call for help volunteering their time to complete tasks such as manning phones, delivering vital supplies and helping out hospital staff with admin.

The aim was to ensure frontline workers time could be focused on offering healthcare, instead of on other tasks.

Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust has confirmed the scheme is currently looking for Worcestershire volunteers to sign up again.

Zac Blood, who lives in Warndon Villages and appeared on Good Morning Britain to promote the scheme, said this time round as a key worker he wouldn't be able to take part, but is encouraging others to step up and be a NHS hero.

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"Last time I was on furlough and ended up being made redundant," the 31-year-old said.

"It is a really good scheme, I would definitely recommend it.

"I did it for around six weeks, throughout the lockdown. It helped me as it gave me a reason to go out the house, giving me a purpose each day.

"So it didn't just help them, it was also helping me. I found it really useful for my mental health."

Mr Blood said tasks he was asked to complete included making deliveries to pharmacies, and making shopping trips to vulnerable people in need of support.

"It started off quiet, then became really busy," he said.

"You get a phone alert if you are closest to complete that task. It was rewarding, you feel like you are doing your bit."

Anyone who wants to become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers can do so by visiting goodsamapp.org/NHS and adding your details to the NHS section.

When the target number of volunteers for an area is reached applications close - but people are still able to sign up, and the NHS will notify them first when the area needs volunteers again.