With much regret, the Trustees of Care Home Volunteers closed the charity on March 31st, 2024. 

Despite the best efforts of Trustees and staff over the years, expanding to achieve a national presence, which was always the aim, was not achieved. Without this scale, delivering the service cost-effectively proved extremely challenging and CHV trustees came to the conclusion that continuing the work was unsustainable.

Over the years, Care Home Volunteers made a significant contribution to getting the issue of loneliness in care homes recognised as a problem which needs to be addressed.  The national conversation has now developed, with the social needs and emotional wellbeing of care home residents firmly on the agenda, thanks in part to the charity’s work.

We are delighted that many of the care homes have taken on the management of "their" volunteers directly.  In addition, we have made our volunteer training materials available to care homes, and other related organisations, for use with new volunteers.  It is good to see that the work CHV has been doing over many years will continue, albeit in a slightly different form.

During the life of the charity, our volunteers brought companionship, smiles and a breath of fresh air to many hundreds of older people in care homes.  We are grateful to funders and supporters who made this possible, and for the diligent work of our staff, and volunteers past and present – we are proud of CHV’s record.

There are no longer any staff working for the charity and so any phone calls will be unanswered, however you can email us on info@carehomevolunteers.org.uk

Below are selected quotes from care homes and volunteers that we have worked with:

I'm really sorry to hear that Care Home Volunteers will be closing, this is indeed sad news. We've been very grateful for your support over the last few years. – Partner Organisation

I wanted to drop you a line to say how very sorry I am to read your news. How devastating this is.  I wanted to acknowledge the fantastic work you, your colleagues and the volunteers do - Partner Organisation

This came as a shock. You have been doing such a fantastic job. The professionalism that goes into the introduction process was exemplary. We always had fantastic volunteers joining our team and offering wonderful support to our residents – Care Home

We are all very sad to hear this news and I am sure this has knocked you for six. You are all so dedicated and work hard and it is such a shame to lose this provision within the Community - Partner Organisation

You’re great at what you do and have been very supportive and understanding – Volunteer

I’m sorry to hear that Care Home Volunteers is winding up. I was at the care home this morning as usual and enjoyed talking to a couple of residents and playing Scrabble. Very unusually I actually won a game - Volunteer

I am very sad to hear this, it’s such a support for residents and will be sorely missed! - Thank you for everything – Wellbeing Coordinator