§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied that her Department is making the best use of volunteer help; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe Department encourages the use of voluntary help both in the health service and in the personal social services, and it has given guidance as necessary to the responsible health and local authorities.
In the health service, it has for example encouraged the employment of voluntary help organisers to develop the effective use of volunteers. Over 250 organisers are employed at present and play a major part in recruiting, training and deploying individual volunteers. In addition there are many voluntary organisations in the health field receiving support and encouragement from health authorities, through grants and in other ways.
In the social services too, local authorities work closely with voluntary organisations and individual volunteers, and most authorities have appointed an officer to co-ordinate voluntary effort in the area. Local authorities also make grants to voluntary organisations.
273WIn addition we make grants to national voluntary organisations working in the health and social services fields and providing services similar to those provided by the Department or by local authorities. The estimate for 1975–76 provide £2½ million for this purpose.