John’s Volunteering Story
Transporting Somerset provides crucial, non-emergency transport for eligible individuals. This enables 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 and further education transport.
Jenny Oliver, of the Central Volunteer Team, spoke to John to chat about his experience of being a Volunteer Driver. John has been volunteering in this role for over ten years now.
What does your volunteering role involve John?
I get my schedule from the Transport Team on a Thursday for the journeys I will be doing for the following week. I do two days a week, but I did do a lot more before the pandemic hit. I like how flexible the role can be, as I can choose how many days I do to fit them my schedule. I cover NHS, Social Care and rehabilitation transport, it is very varied.
Why did you start volunteering?
I spent the bulk of my working life in the RAF, followed by the MOD. Once I got to 60, I retired and wanted to do something else with my life. I tried another volunteering role first, but as it was too time consuming and did not suit me. A friend of mine suggested the transport role, and as I liked driving, talking and listening to people, it was a great fit and I have been doing it ever since.
What keeps you volunteering?
It gives me something to do for two days a week. I do have a lot of other things going on in my life, but the driver role gives me a lot of enjoyment and I meet a lot of new people. I have a lot of elderly passengers who really like to talk to me. I am a good listener and am good at making conversation. This is really appreciated by the people I transport. Some of my passengers can be a little harder to communicate with, especially some of the teenagers, but mostly they all just want to chat and to pass the time on long journeys with me.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
Meeting people!
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
It has made me much more appreciative of our NHS. I get a lot of pleasure from talking to people on our journeys and hearing about their treatments and seeing them get better. It’s wonderful seeing them smile when they come out of hospital and getting better.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
I recommend it! I would say not to go into it full time to start with as the days can be very long. I currently do two days a week and I really enjoy it; Somerset is beautiful for driving in and around in (perhaps not the A303!). I really do recommend people give it a go!
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
A very satisfying vocation!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The Transport Team is great and are always available to me when I need them.
I am still enjoying my role very much, a lot of patients ask me why I volunteer, and I always say to them that I just enjoy meeting people; helping the community; and the supporting people that are disadvantaged. I am proud to help those who can’t get to where they need to be, or don’t have anybody else to help them.
Is this driving your interest? You can find this role and others here. What are you waiting for!