Outside conventional NHS services there is significant support provided by charitable organisations and also the local council (which often provides a coordination role). These services provide some of the most important support for health and can make a real difference.

In addition, becoming a volunteer can bring benefits not just to the local community but also for yourself. How to become a volunteer is also covered below.

The voluntary sector

Support is available in a number of areas including:

Health conditions
If you look under different conditions in Bucks Health Hub you will find there is a lot of excellent local and importantly national support which comes from organisations outside the NHS.

Patient groups
There is also support for specific groups such as veterans and carers which is covered under Support for All.

Voluntary organisations near the practice
Where available, under local community you can find voluntary organisations local to the practice which may be able to support you.

Local charities and activities
There is a data base of local voluntary organisations including activities and services under Activities, Services and Charitable Organisations.

The local council

Beyond the local council’s role in social care (see under Support in your own home, a care home and a nursing home) it has an important role in areas which can affect health including providing information on local charitable organisations. You can find an overview under Council.

You can access directly the majority of council services and all voluntary services without needing to go through the practice.

Under Contact Details And Self-Referral we have pulled these services together.

In the section on “outside practice self-referrals” you can find relevant self-referrals to many such services including under

• Wellbeing (mental, physical and social wellbeing)
• Social support (e.g., School and Further Education, Work and finances)
• Potentially vulnerable people (e.g., carers and veterans)

Under Overview Support Over Your Lifetime you can also review voluntary and council support for the social side of life.

The benefits of volunteering are both for your community but also for yourself.

As Do IT suggests some of the benefits of volunteering include:

• Connecting with other people in a meaningful way improves social wellbeing
• Doing good things makes people healthier and happier
• Volunteering is one of the best things that people can do to improve their wellbeing
• Social wellbeing means a happier, healthier and more connected world
  “About Do It” Do IT website. Retrieved 14 February 2023.

There is much more information on volunteering locally including organisations which match volunteers with organisations see under Volunteering Opportunities.

There may be opportunities for you to volunteer and help within the local community associated with the practice see under local community.