Charity in desperate need of volunteer drivers to offer ‘lifeline’

BY JACKY HAYLER

AWokingham charity has made a plea for volunteers as it is in desperate need of drivers.

The Wokingham Volunteer Centre based in Denmark Street runs the Transport Scheme helping residents in Earley, Winnersh, Barkham, Finchampstead and Wokingham to get around if they are unable to use public transport or cannot drive themselves for whatever reason.

The service takes clients to medical and dental appointments, as well as social events designed to reduce the terrible effects of loneliness – but they have not been able to take on any new clients since May because of the lack of drivers.

With 650 clients already being offered help and only 70 volunteer drivers, the service is facing a crisis.

Volunteer service manager, Helena Badger, said the scheme offers a lifeline to its clients – but volunteers also have as much to gain. “Our drivers take people to appointments like the dentist and doctors but also social appointments like day centres which are vital to reduce isolation and loneliness.

“But it is more than just a taxi service. Our volunteers provide an arm to lean on if they struggle to walk, helping them to and from the car, they accompany them to appointments and wait for them afterwards. They love what they do as the clients have so many stories to tell.”

While most of the appointments are during the week and in the daytime, drivers are free to volunteer for as many hours as they like. Helena said: “We can be very flexible with the volunteers choosing the journeys and locations they are prepared to help with. They can commit to as much or as little time as they have to offer. It may suit someone who is retired or works part-time or maybe a parent between doing the school run.”

And Helena said that their situation is not unique to them. “Most charities are struggling in the area. Transport is one of the major issues in Wokingham. During Covid we started picking up prescriptions and we had lots of volunteers because people had the time and wanted to get out. Maybe now their focus and priorities have changed.”

Volunteer drivers decide when and how far they want to drive and expenses are reimbursed.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Helena Badger by emailing volunteer@wok-vol-org.uk

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