We are privileged to work with many talented and kind volunteers, but we are always looking for people to join our team. Meet David Gillespie a Volunteer Driver for Community360 who tells us why he became a volunteer.
“I first became a volunteer driver in 2009 for Maldon Community Transport (known to locals as “Viking”.) Community360 Transport now operate this service and here I am 14 years later and still enjoying driving for the organisation. I decided to volunteer as I wanted to put something back into the community, I wanted to help those who were isolated and unable to maybe use traditional forms of transport.
So, what do I do? I regularly pick up passengers from their homes, assist them with boarding the bus (including facilitating wheelchairs if necessary), and then getting them safely to a variety of destinations: hospitals, daycentres, the doctors or maybe just enabling them to go out shopping. For those otherwise house-bound, it is their opportunity to get ‘out and about’, and it is rewarding and satisfying to play a small part in making this happen.
For me, volunteering has the added benefit of keeping me active and connected. I enjoy seeing our regular passengers and meeting new ones, having a chat, and knowing I am making a difference. Community360’s infrastructure, support and training are excellent, and I would both encourage and recommend volunteering as a most worthwhile and enjoyable activity.”
How to get involved?
We have a range of opportunities available, from working in the primary care centre café, befriending vulnerable residents who return home after hospital to working within our Essex Family Support Service as a family mentor. If you just have a couple of hours to spare a week or maybe a month we would love to hear from you.
Call:
01206 505250
Email: volunteer@community360.org.uk
Website: https://www.community360.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-for-c360/
