Each year Surrey’s good neighbour schemes help thousands of elderly and vulnerable people across the county to access hospital appointments, collect prescriptions and to enjoy social events.
Each one is run by local volunteers for the benefit of their communities, by providing lifts for those who may not have easy access to transport. Some schemes also provide other types of support such as shopping, social activities or handyman services.
As the population ages demand for the service provided by good neighbour schemes is increasing year on year, but the number of volunteer drivers is falling in Surrey. Could you help an older person out in your neighbourhood?
Becoming a volunteer driver is easy and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, when it suits them. No regular commitment is required.
Many schemes are also looking for Duty Officers to receive calls from clients (in their own home using a phone provided by the scheme) and to find a volunteer driver to take the client to their destination. This is a more regular commitment but could be just a few hours a week.
All volunteers are rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping elderly neighbours to live independently for longer. Feedback such as “It’s so nice not to have to worry about how I will get to the surgery” and “What would we do without you? We are so grateful for all you do” makes a little bit of effort very worthwhile.
Read on for more information, or contact us – email [email protected] or call 01483 447103.
No you don’t. That’s the beauty of volunteering as a driver. You can drive as often and regularly or as little and infrequently as you wish. You can advise your local duty officer of any days/times when you know that you will be unavailable. The duty officer will call you with details of a job and if you can do it, great! If not, then the duty officer will simply contact another driver.
Yes – mileage and parking will be reimbursed.
Many insurers have signed up to the Association of British Insurer’s pledge to not charge a premium for volunteer drivers using private cars insured on private car insurance. Some of these insurers require you to tell them that you are using your vehicle for volunteer driving even though they do not charge an extra premium. Your scheme can help you to get the information you need.
Drivers need a DBS check – this is free and transferable so you’ll be able to use it if you decide to volunteer with any other vulnerable adults. You’ll also need to supply the contact details for two referees.
We aim to help anyone who cannot access transport anywhere else or who cannot afford transport from other providers. Sometimes clients just need a companion to travel with them if they don’t have any relatives nearby.
Clients must be mobile (although they may use a walking frame or stick) and be able to get into and out of a car unaided.
Yes! Many schemes need Duty Officers. Duty Officers receive calls from clients and contact volunteer drivers to find someone who can help. Most schemes have a mobile phone which is passed between Duty Officers so there’s no need to use your own. Duty Officers are based in their own homes and typically commit to a regular two or three hour time slot.
Some schemes need people to join their management committee. This is a group of volunteers who manage the good neighbour scheme. Roles include Chair, Treasurer, Secretary or ordinary member.
Once you’ve contacted us, we’ll put you in touch with your local scheme. They will make an appointment to visit you to explain how their scheme works and to answer any further questions you have. If you’re volunteering as a driver then they will also ask you for details of two referees and check your driving licence and your insurance policy. Once the DBS check is completed and references have been received, then you can accept driving jobs to suit you.
If you would like to find out more about joining your local good neighbour scheme as a volunteer, do get in touch. Call us on 01483 447101 or email [email protected]
If you would like to set up a good neighbour scheme for your local area, then let us know. We can provide support, information and advice to help you get established. Click on the link below to find out more.
