Volunteering
From time to time, enquiries are received from Wiltshire-based charity organisations, seeking the help of volunteers in the community.
Community Transport South Wiltshire
Community Transport South Wiltshire, a Salisbury charity that focuses on providing transport for people of limited mobility is in urgent need of volunteer car drivers. As the charity struggles to meet demand, many people are left unable to access the transport they need just to lead a normal life.
“Supporting local charity isn’t only about giving money. Time is just as valuable to us and we would like to appeal to people who maybe haven’t considered volunteering before. Driving is an easy, fulfilling way to make a big difference. Our members are able to transfer in and out of a car, even those in a wheelchair, so it is not a demanding role. All it requires is a supporting arm and a little patience. In return our drivers get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing they are doing something which is truly valued. We pay expenses so no one is out of pocket and would love to hear from anyone who enjoys meeting people and has their own car and some time to spare.”
For more information please call 01722 410123 or email on salisbury-ct@btconnect.com
LINK SCHEMES
Link schemes are community-based, volunteer run charities based predominantly in Wiltshire that aim to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged, elderly or infirm people by providing a structured ‘good neighbour’ service.
Link schemes predominantly provide a support service to enable those without access to transport to access local services and facilities. The service is provided by volunteers using their own cars and – depending on volunteer availability – can involve taking someone to a medical appointment, taking them shopping or to visit an old friend. Some Link schemes also can provide ‘good neighbour’ care.
For people using Link scheme transport services, a donation is requested from passengers using Link volunteers’ cars to cover the mileage expenses incurred by the volunteers.
Each Link scheme is run by a group of local volunteers managed by a local Link Co-ordinator. Users wishing to use the scheme simply call their local co-ordinator who will then endeavour to arrange for a volunteer to carry out the task.