Clive’s Volunteering Story
Transporting Somerset provides crucial non-emergency transport for eligible non-emergency NHS patients and social care users enabling them to get to various locations across the county and further afield, it’s a rewarding role that provides practical support for people within our community.
Each of these journeys connects people to services that they could otherwise miss out on. Some volunteer drivers also provide school or college transport.
Jenny Oliver, of the Central Volunteer Team, spoke to Clive to chat about his experience of being a Volunteer Driver. Clive has been volunteering in this role for seven/eight years.
What does your volunteering role involve Clive?
As a driver, I have the opportunity to meet so many different people and help them often when they need help the most. I do four days a week at the moment including weekends. The weekends are busy for requests as x-ray, cardiology, and family time all run at weekends.
Why did you start volunteering?
I like meeting people, and in this role, you meet so many different and extremely interesting people. On long journeys they love to talk, and I love to listen to them. That is the most important thing, I have found. A high proportion of the clients that I carry to hospital appointments are elderly, a lot of them live on their own and for quite a few of them, it’s not only an appointment, but also a day out! It’s an experience which is very valuable to me. My passengers have had the most interesting of lives.
What keeps you volunteering?
I’m still active myself and I can use this to help other people.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
Some of my passengers have very regular appointments and you get to know them, rather than just a driver taking them to an appointment.
What difference has volunteering made to you?
I am giving back to society and that makes me feel good.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
You must give it a try, even if it’s only for a couple of months because ultimately you will find the experience very rewarding.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
All the way through my life I have been a people person and being a driver is the perfect way to be a people person!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you have any thoughts at all about volunteering in Somerset, I strongly urge you to volunteer for Somerset Council because you will make an immense amount of difference to people’s lives.
If you have the time to give and would like to find out more about this role and others, you can do so here. What are you waiting for!