Volunteering is the lifeblood of the Mere & District Link Scheme. The drivers, the co-ordinators, the chair, the secretary and the treasurer are all unpaid volunteers who are only reimbursed for their expenses. They all have personal and family commitments, some have full-time or part-time jobs, but they all manage to squeeze in some time helping the Link Scheme do its job. We’re always on the lookout for more volunteers for two roles: drivers and co-ordinators. Here’s a bit more detail about each role.
Volunteer drivers
We need drivers for both local and longer journeys. Our drivers use their own cars and give their time freely, but are paid a mileage allowance, currently 45p per mile. You choose when and where you are willing to drive, and remember that taking people to local appointments is as helpful as going to more distant destinations.
We do not ask for a regular time commitment – drivers agree to each journey on an individual basis.
Volunteer co-ordinators
Our co-ordinators work from home using their regular telephone, taking calls from clients needing to make a trip and finding drivers who can do the journey. Calls to the Link Scheme phone number are automatically diverted to whichever co-ordinator is on duty for the week, and our co-ordinators normally work no more than one week out of four, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Next steps . . .
Our volunteers often comment on how interesting and rewarding it is to meet and help a variety of people. Why not find this out for yourself?
If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer please call the main Link Scheme number – 01747 860096 or send an email to fitzgerald.jns@sky.com