Good Neighbour Schemes are run by volunteers and provide community based care and support for people in the local community who need help with some of the basics of day-to-day living. We offer advice and guidance to help people to establish new schemes and to keep existing schemes thriving.
Our Good Neighbour Schemes Co-ordinator can help with policies, volunteer recruitment, DBS checks, funding and all the information schemes need to operate effectively.
If you need help with an existing scheme, or if you would to explore how to set up a new scheme in your area, contact Justine Aldous on 01483 447101 or email [email protected].
Scroll down to find out how to join your local scheme as a volunteer.
Becoming a volunteer driver is easy and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, as well as decide the days and times during which they are available.
Many schemes are also looking for Duty Officers to make a more regular commitment to receive calls from clients and to find a volunteer driver to take the client to their destination. This could be just a few hours a week.
All volunteers are rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping elderly neighbours to live independently for longer. Feedback such as “This is the first time I have been out for six months” and “What would we do without you? We are so grateful for all you do” makes a little bit of effort very worthwhile.
Take a look at video above to see how volunteers are making a difference across Surrey by helping an older person out.
For more information about joining your local good neighbour scheme, contact Justine Aldous on 01483 447101 or email [email protected].
No you don’t. That’s the beauty of volunteering as a driver for your local good neighbour scgheme. You can drive as often and regularly, or as little and infrequently, as you wish. The duty officer will call you with details of a job and if you can do it, great! If not, then the duty officer will simply contact another driver.
Yes – mileage and parking will be reimbursed.
We will give you information to provide to your insurance company so that driving as a volunteer should not affect your premiums.
You’ll need a DBS check – this is free and transferable so you’ll be able to use it if you decide to volunteer with any other vulnerable adults.
We aim to help anyone who cannot access transport anywhere else or who cannot afford transport from other providers. Sometimes clients just need a companion to travel with them if they don’t have any relatives nearby.
Clients usually need transport to visit their GP or to go to hospital or to the shops or a coffee morning. Sometimes we are asked to go further afield, but if you want to stay local all you have to do is say.
Yes! Many schemes need Duty Officers. Duty Officers receive calls from clients and contact volunteer drivers to find someone who can help. Most schemes have a mobile phone which is passed between Duty Officers so there’s no need to use your own. Duty Officers are based in their own homes and typically commit to a regular two or three hour time slot.
Some schemes need people to join their committees to help oversee the general operation. Committee members meet once a month, usually for a couple of hours. Being part of the committee is a great way to share your skills and meet new people in your community.
