“I have been a volunteer driver with the Bishops Waltham Care Group for a number of years. Although retired from full time work, I still have a busy schedule. I am able to fit in Care Group driving because I know in advance when and where I’m needed. The Group Co-ordinator phones and asks if I can do a particular journey at a particular time and date and if I can, I say yes, and if I can’t I say no. I do as much or as little as I want.
The journeys vary from very short – taking someone to the local doctors’ surgery – to longer trips to the hospitals throughout Hampshire – round trips that may take several hours.
I usually accompany my passengers to the waiting rooms. Many have mobility problems or may be anxious, and hospitals can be very confusing places to navigate if you are on your own or have difficulty reading signs. If patients have very long appointments, I use this time to go and have a coffee and catch up on reading or a crossword puzzle.
I do not get paid for my time but am reimbursed the cost of fuel from donations made by patients. The reward is meeting and chatting with my passengers and the pleasure of knowing that I have helped someone in my community – help that I too may need one day. None of us – even those with good support networks – know when we might need assistance. Being a volunteer driver is my small way of helping others to get on with their lives whilst still allowing me the time and freedom to get on with mine.”
Gilly
We need more good neighbours. If you would like to share the power of kindness, find out more about being a volunteer driver.