Kevin’s Volunteer Story
Transporting Somerset provides crucial 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 in 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 Kevin about his experience of being a Volunteer Driver. Kevin has been volunteering in this role for more than twelve years.
What does your volunteering role involve Kevin?
I am a volunteer car driver, taking patients to NHS appointments and social services clients to day centres.
Why did you start volunteering?
I had a succession of health problems, and I couldn’t go back to my career in warehouse and transport management. I decided to retire at 59 and as I am a workaholic, I wanted something to do with my time. I knew two people that did the role already and I talked with them about it. I knew that it was something that I wanted to do.
What keeps you volunteering?
It’s a hobby for me and is rewarding. It gets me out of the house and I meet nice people. I have never met a not nice person in all my years of volunteering.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
The clients! I love driving too, but it gets a bit samey without the people.
What difference has volunteering made to you?
It gives me a purpose, to get out and to help people. By doing that it helps me too.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
Give it a go, you won’t regret it’s fulfilling and rewarding!
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
I do it because it’s rewarding to me and it’s doing a service to the public, to the NHS and to social services.
Thanks for telling your story Kevin! You can find more information on this role and others here.