Details have been released of the specific roles that need to be filled as part of the government's plan to recruit an initial 250,000 NHS Volunteer Responders.

Announced last night by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, during his 10 Downing Street briefing, the scheme is asking for volunteers for four specific tasks.

A website www.goodsammapp.org/NHS  has been set up to support the NHS throughout the Coronavirus Crisis.

The website said: "We need an 'army' of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well.

"Our doctors, nurses and other professionals will be able to refer people in to NHS Volunteer Responders and be confident that they have been matched with a reliable, named volunteer.

The four roles are:

• Community Response volunteer:

This role involves collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.

• Patient Transport volunteer:

This role supports the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, and ensuring that they are settled safely back in to their home.

• NHS Transport volunteer:

This role involves transporting equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites, it may also involve assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.

• Check-in and Chat volunteer:

This role provides short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.

The website added "Once you have registered and checks are complete you will be provided a log-in to the GoodSAM Responder app.

"Switch the app to 'on duty', and you'll see live and local volunteer tasks to pick from nearby.

"This programme enables volunteers to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, which is permitted under the new rules announced by the Government on 23rd March 2020.

"Volunteers must be 18 or over, and fit and well with no symptoms. Those in higher-risk groups (including those over 70, those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions) will be able to offer support by telephone.

"Your safety is our priority. The majority of tasks can be undertaken while social distancing and volunteers will receive guidance through our 'getting started pack'.

"If you do become ill you can pause your volunteering."

For more information visit www.goodsamapp.org/NHS