Do you have some spare time to volunteer as a Downton Link driver?
As a volunteer driver you would be providing a vital transport link for people in the local community who are unable to use other means of transport. We provide transport to hospitals, surgeries, dentists, social events and other essential services. A volunteer driver chooses how much time they are willing to offer Downton Link. Client trips are advertised by email so that drivers are able to volunteer for any jobs they are willing to do. We usually operate between the hours of 9 to 5 from Monday to Friday covering Downton, Charlton-All-Saints, Redlynch, Morgan’s Vale, Woodfalls, Lover, Hale, Woodgreen and Breamore. Existing drivers will tell you that driving for Downton Link is both rewarding and very much appreciated by the local community, especially the elderly. If you are able to give some time to Downton Link as a driver please contact 01725 513807 or email info@downtonlink.org.uk
Do you have some spare time to volunteer as a Downton Link Co-ordinator?
The Co-ordinator is the first point of contact for any Client wishing to use the Service. Requests for drivers come through by phone. The Co-ordinator has a database of existing Clients to which are added any new Clients. Normally, Clients are asked to give 48 hours’ notice but often hospital and surgery appointments are given at very short notice. Similarly, the Co-ordinator has a database of approved drivers. Wherever possible Clients are matched to Drivers in the same village. The details are entered into the electronic Diary which is passed to the Treasurer at the end of the month to reimburse the Driver’s expenses. Co-ordinators work on a rota basis one week at a time. Currently, there are 5 Co-ordinators and the more we can recruit, pressure becomes less to cover for holidays and illness. A friendly telephone manner is essential as some Clients only have the Co-ordinator to talk to during the day. Only basic computer skills are required to send out emails and complete the Diary. We always try to fulfil Client requests and sometimes it is necessary to use gentle persuasion on Drivers to undertake outstanding Jobs. We try to accommodate most reasonable Client requests including shopping and social events but priority is given to medical appointments. If you are able to give some time to Downton Link as a Co-ordinator please contact 01725 513807 or email info@downtonlink.org.uk