Running an errand for an older adult or vulnerable resident might mean helping them top up their gas and electricity cards, posting a letter or parcel at the post office, or picking up and delivering an item like a newspaper. These little things make a BIG difference to people who don’t have anyone else to help, so thank you!
First off, call the person you’re helping (simply click the link in the app to call) and check the errand details, things like; addresses, times, directions, entry codes, and if they want you to purchase something, confirm how the payment will be taken.
If the errand involves a payment...
Please pay for the item on your own card - Once you’ve dropped it off, send us a photo of the receipt. We process these the same day but may take up to 3 days to appear in your account.)
If the person you're helping is paying in cash - ask them to pass you the cash through the letterbox / around the door in a bag / envelope, and then you can put the change and receipt through the door once you have put the shopping on the doorstep / dropped it off. Make sure to ring the bell or knock on the door loud and clear, and step back at least 2 metres whilst you wait for them to answer the door and pass you the money and collect the delivery when you return. Always wait for the resident to answer the door before leaving shopping unattended on their doorstop.
If they can’t carry the shopping themselves, you’ll need to wait for them to open the door, ask them to go back inside (not into the room where you will be dropping off the shopping) and then carry the shopping up the stairs / into the kitchen and leave immediately. Make sure you take your shoes off before entering their home and wash your hands as frequently as possible.
FAQs:
What if I call and they don't need or want the help?
We know it’s a little disheartening when you’re ready to do a mission, you call someone and they say they don’t need it. In case it helps - please know that although you haven’t actually completed the task and fulfilled the mission, the person who referred them (typically an overstretched NHS or Red Cross team) really appreciates the call to check in to see if they’re OK - to know someone has checked in on them really does makes a difference!
Whilst we do call every referral back before we put their request on the app, unfortunately, we can not completely avoid calls where the person does not want the help anymore or has found an alternative. The people we help are aware of this and we do encourage them to get in touch with us if they don't need the assistance anymore, but 9/10 times they won’t.
Our hope is that volunteers could help us out here and let us know if people weren’t needing the help anymore - please do let us know who you have been in touch with that did not need help and we will follow up.
You can send us an email, in-app message or even give us a call.
If you ever have any questions, please give the team a call on:
0203 488 2912
or use chat in the app!