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Voluntary Car Schemes

What is A Voluntary Car / Good Neighbour Scheme?
A Voluntary Car / Good Neighbour Scheme is part of a "safety net" of care and support provided by members of a local community to the people who live in their area. The scheme is normally managed by a committee, made up of volunteers. In some cases day to day administration may be given to a paid co-ordinator. The service or services are all provided by volunteers from the local community.

What Sort Of Help Do They Offer?
People may need assistance with many different types of errand or services. Examples include: -

• Transport
• Shopping
• Visiting
• Pension/Prescription collection
• Moving a fridge or other heavy furniture
• Writing a letter
• Filling in a form

Volunteers will in fact do anything a good neighbour might normally do.

Who Qualifies?
Anyone who cannot find the help elsewhere or cannot afford to pay for the help as long as there is a volunteer available and able to provide assistance.

Coverage in Surrey
There are approximately 100 Good Neighbour Schemes and Voluntary Car Schemes in Surrey.

How Can I Get Involved?

First of all contact Vicki Turton on

Tel:01483 45 92 92 Ext: 221
E-mail: vickit@surreyca.org.uk

Vicki Turton is Surrey Community Action's Voluntary Car Schemes Advisor. Vicki's job is to provide assistance and advice to groups who wish to start a scheme. If you wish to volunteer for your local scheme Vicki can signpost you to your nearest scheme. If you believe there is a need for a Voluntary Car/ Good neighbour Scheme in your local community, Vicki can support and advise you step by step to help you develop a successful Good Neighbour/Voluntary Car Scheme.

Establishing a new scheme.
If you are considering establishing a new scheme, below we have outlined some points and steps which will require consideration. Vicki Turton is available to assist you with each stage of the process including:

• First Steps- getting support, attracting interest
• Holding a Public Meeting
• The Role Of The Steering Group
• Generating Publicity
• Useful Contacts
• Telephone Systems
• Identification Of Volunteers
• Paperwork
• Insurance
• Do's and Don'ts of a New Care Group
• Constitutions
• Finance
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Volunteer Training
• Public Launch
• Vulnerable Adult Policy
• CRB checks

Vicki Turton can provide advice on:

• Constitutions
• Finance
• Insurance
• Publicity
• Paperwork and Systems
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Volunteer Training

Existing Schemes
Vicki Turton also supports existing groups by providing -
A help line for guidance and information
Specialist training for volunteer car drivers
Good practice seminars
CRB checks for volunteers

We always try to keep our list of schemes up to date for our Directory Search Facility. Please keep us notified of any changes to your service/s.