More drivers urgently needed for Eastwood Volunteer Bureau's community transport scheme

If you have any spare time on your hands and you enjoy driving, then Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and Food Bank (EVB) is keen to hear from you.

More volunteer drivers are urgently required to boost the Bureaus transport scheme for local vulnerable people from around the north Broxtowe area.

The service helps elderly or vulnerable who struggle with public transport get to hospital and doctor appointments, visit a friend, go to work or simply go shopping.

Colin has been a volunteer driver since 2022.

He retired in 2018 and was keen to do something to give back to his local community but Covid intitally put the things on hold.

However, once restrictions were lifted, he was able to start the volunteer driving.

Colin said “Volunteering with the transport scheme is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

"I simply love helping people – whether that’s taking someone shopping, to a hospital appointment, to a day centre, or even just to visit friends.

"What makes it so special for me is the conversations along the way.

"You hear all about people’s lives, their stories, and experiences.

"It’s fascinating, and I feel very privileged that people are willing to share those moments with me.”

The EVB said: “Volunteers are not paid for their time, but they claim expenses for the mileage at 45p a mile.

“Drivers are provided support from a transport co-ordinator who makes all the appointments.

“The drivers do not do evenings and weekends but have the opportunity to work within a small team and make a significant difference to the lives of people in the area.

“The mileage contribution can help with the cost of running a car and most insurance policies remain same, so, drivers don’t have any

extra cost.

“There is no upper or lower limit on how much time an individual can give to the scheme.

"Some people do 20 hours a week, while others may do 20 hours a month or even less.

"The volunteer driver decides on their hours and what time of day or week they prefer to work.

“The EVB values the important role that volunteer drivers play in effectively opening enhancing the lives of a group of people who would otherwise struggle to get to where they need to be.”

To be a volunteer driver you need to have:

• Some spare time

• Your own car and enjoy driving.

• A good driving record

• A desire to help people, and be caring, thoughtful and patient.

Recently, the bureau’s drivers have taken people to the Temple Centre at Nuthall, the Colin Dyson Centre for Age Concern lunches, Armstrong Mills for coffee and shopping, Hilltop Butchers in Eastwood, the Sybil Levin Centre in Beeston, Queen’s Medical Centre and Giltbrook Shopping Centre for morning shopping with friends.

Colin continued: “People often say to me, ‘you do an amazing job, you work so hard’.

"But I always tell them it’s not just me - I couldn’t possibly do it on my own.

"We’re incredibly fortunate to have a fantastic, supportive and dedicated team behind the scenes who make everything possible.”

“Not everyone has a family or friends to provide them with transport and many just can't afford a taxi for things like appointments, shopping or to go to social groups.

Melanie, EVB’s tranport co-ordinator, added: “Providing transport can make the difference between people staying in their own homes or going into care.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the role of volunteer driver can either call 01773 535255 or drop in at the bureau for a chat.

All volunteers a required to take a DBS check and the cost will be covered by the bureau.

It normally takes a few weeks to process the application.