Volunteer Drivers

Voluntary work can encompass many things. Here at TESS we have a particular interest in drivers.

Are you already a driver?
Are you an organisation or group needing a minibus, or with a minibus?
Do you have time to spare?
Would you like to start voluntary work but don't know how?

If you can answer yes to one or two of these then please read on!

Why Volunteer?

Due to the rural nature of South Shropshire people who do not have access to a car may have a hard time getting about – to their Doctor, to the shops, to see friends and family, etc.
‘Social Isolation’ is a reality in Shropshire.

Community Car Schemes can help enormously to combat social isolation and alleviate peoples’ transport difficulties.
A successful Community Car Scheme can make a huge positive impact on the well being of the people using it, and those providing it, too!
Drivers who have their own car and have a few hours to spare each week or each month are most welcome to join their local Community Car Scheme. Drivers will be asked to obtain a CRB disclosure. Drivers volunteer their time, but expenses are reimbursed.
TESS can put volunteers in touch with their nearest Scheme.

Volunteer drivers who would like to drive minibuses for their community are strongly advised to complete a Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training course, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
Drivers should be between 21 and 70 years old and have held a car driver’s licence (which must include the D1 category) for at least 2 years.
The training, available through TESS, takes the form of a morning or afternoon theory session, and an hour in a minibus, which includes a driving assessment.
A further MiDAS qualification in driving for the disabled is also available.

TESS will train drivers belonging to groups and organisations for a standard fee. TESS also trains individuals who would like to drive for the community at large on a voluntary basis, through the Minibus Sharing Scheme. The training fee may be reduced or waived for these drivers.

Being involved with the Minibus Sharing Scheme enables drivers to meet new people, make new friends and become involved with a wide range of community groups in South Shropshire. Drivers for the Scheme may find that they have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country, and to visit various attractions – all expenses paid! And being part of the Scheme gives drivers the chance to play a valuable role helping others in their community.
...see below for one driver’s story.

We have a pool of drivers whose services we can offer to organisations and groups, but there is always a need for more drivers.
We also have access to a minibus.

We can also provide minibus driver training to organisations and groups who use a minibus, whether their own or belonging to another organisation

A volunteers story

How long have you been a volunteer driver?

“I started about March 2006”

Why did you start volunteering as a driver?

“I had retired from full time employment and wanted to put something back into the community. I have never done anything much before and felt that people in the rural area where I live could benefit from some of my spare time. I answered an advert in the ‘Corvedale News’ looking for volunteer drivers ”

What sort of things do you get to do?

“I regularly drive the Buzzard community bus in the Corvedale area. The bus runs three times a week to Ludlow, Craven Arms and Much Wenlock but I drive it about once a month.
I also take turns to drive the ‘Thursday group’, taking a number of ladies to bingo in Ludlow.
Occasionally I drive for other groups, who require transport for various reasons and hire a minibus through TESS.”

What is the most interesting trip you have done recently?

“I took the Aston on Clun artists group to Much Wenlock to visit Beverley Fry’s art studio. We had an interesting talk on her life as a professional artist. We were there for the morning and then went into the town for lunch.”

How does volunteer driving fit in with your other committments?

“There is no problem with this because I can choose the times and dates when I am free. I also have the benefit of volunteering for trips that I find especially interesting.
A rota is produced every 3 months but I can always swop with another driver if something crops up and I cannot make a trip.”

What would you say to others who may be considering volunteering?

“If you have some time on your hands, and you enjoy meeting people and getting out and about, then volunteer driving could be just for you!”

TESS

• can supply drivers
• can supply a minibus
• can supply driver training
• needs more volunteer drivers
• can link up organisations wishing to share a minibus

For further information on other volunteering opportunities locally please visit the South Shropshire Voluntary Action website at www.ssva.org.uk

Frequently asked questions about being a volunteer driver - follow this link to a pop-up information page.

For further information on any of the above please do phone TESS for a friendly chat on 01588 673888.