At Community360, we pride ourselves on the incredible dedication and passion of our volunteers. One such inspiring individual is Jane McCausland, whose story was recently highlighted in the Colchester Gazette and on BBC Radio Essex’s Afternoon Show with Akylah Rodriguez.
Jane’s journey with Community360 began twelve years ago when she came across a community transport poster in Sainsbury’s. A confident driver with a motorhome background, Jane quickly signed up to volunteer. What started as a casual commitment transformed into a life-changing experience, both for Jane and the many individuals she helps.
Jane’s role involves taking people on weekly excursions and events, providing a much-needed lifeline for many who are housebound. As she mentioned in her interview, “One of the problems with people is they’re housebound, they can’t buy birthday cards. At Christmas, we always try and go somewhere where they can buy gifts.” This heartfelt commitment ensures that those in need have access to social and recreational activities that enhance their quality of life.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jane received the John Jowers Award for Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Despite her humility, we know that her efforts have profoundly impacted the lives of our members. Her dedication during the pandemic, where she coordinated hot meals and virtual activities, further shows this commitment.
Jane’s story also sheds light on the broader societal changes. As more people of her generation take on multiple roles and engage in semi-retired lifestyles, volunteering becomes a fulfilling and flexible option. Jane herself balances her time between volunteering and working as a civil celebrant, finding joy in both activities.
During her appearance on the BBC Essex Afternoon Show with Akylah Rodriguez, Jane noted the importance of real, in-person communication amidst the increasing reliance on technology. She reflected on the barriers that online systems can create, especially for those less tech-savvy, but also appreciated how technology can streamline her volunteer efforts.
Jane’s appeal for more volunteers resonates deeply with us. As she pointed out, “We’re a victim of our success really because we have two full buses and so we’re really running at capacity. That’s why they’d like more volunteers because they’re limited in their scope by the number of volunteers they’ve got.” The flexibility of our volunteer roles allows people to contribute in ways that fit their schedules, making a meaningful difference without overwhelming time commitments.
We are incredibly proud of Jane and all our volunteers who tirelessly work to make our community a better place. Her story demonstrates the power of giving back and the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have.
If Jane’s story has inspired you, consider joining our team of volunteers. Together, we can continue to provide vital services and support to those in need.
You can read more about the Community Transport scheme by following this link https://www.community360.org.uk/what-we-do/community-transport/
If you would like to join us as a volunteer we would love to hear from you. Please call us un 01206 216600 for a chat or email volunteer@community360.org.uk
You can learn more about the role here
