Description

One of the biggest barriers people face in attending our groups and activities is the ability to get to us. There is limited public transport to where we are located and sometimes people coming along need a little bit of assistance or extra time to get from their home to a vehicle, which taxi drivers sometimes cannot provide. As a Volunteer Driver you would be providing the means for someone to be able to attend a group, allowing them to meet with others attending and have some company, ultimately helping to improve their wellbeing and make them feel less lonely.

As a Volunteer Driver, we'd ask that you use your own car to pick people up, take them to the group and be able to take them home again. We provide all out of pocket expenses, so your mileage would be reimbursed at £0.45 per mile. Sometimes people might need a bit of assistance and you would be provided with full training on moving and positioning to support someone to get in and out of a vehicle if needed.

We are looking for drivers to be able to bring people to our Men's Breakfast Club on a Friday morning, 10–11 am and also to our Blether & Brew Group, which is every second Tuesday, 2-3.30 pm.

A PVG is required for this role.

If you enjoy driving and would like to use this skill to make a huge difference to the life of someone living in your community, this role could be just for you.

Organisation aims and objectives

Mearns Kirk Helping Hands is based in Newton Mearns and we aim to improve health and wellbeing and reduce isolation and loneliness in our community. We do this by providing a range of groups and activities throughout the week including Tai Chi, Blether & Brew Coffee Afternoon, Friendship Club and a Men's Breakfast Club. We also have a befriending project for people aged 65+ who are feeling lonely or isolated and would like the companionship of a volunteer befriender. We are volunteer led and cannot provide any of the services we do, without our amazing volunteer team. We are community helping itself.

Restrictions

Travel details: Mearns Kirk Halls, 404 Mearns Road, Newton Mearns, G77 5BU
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Training details: A full induction training package is provided including safeguarding, boundaries and confidentiality. Ongoing training is also provided and will be role specific. Support is provided by both the Project Manager and the Group Leaders and via a "buddy" system with an existing volunteer.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet