Melksham Link is looking for volunteer drivers

Story posted on August 17, 2022

Are you friendly and outgoing, like driving and have a bit of spare time?  If so, Melksham Link would love to hear from you.   

The group is on the hunt for new volunteer drivers to help local people get to their medical appointments, be it doctor, hospital, dentist, optician or any other medical appointment.  

“We are currently taking on new clients who don’t have any family, friends or neighbours who can help them,” says the group. “Demand is on the increase, so we need more volunteer drivers so we can continue to support those who need it.  

“If you are friendly and outgoing, like driving and have a bit of spare time, please consider this valuable way of helping your local community.  

“No regular commitment is required, as drivers do as much or as little as they want to fit in with their lifestyle, and you will be fully supported by Link whenever you need it. We pay the recommended 45p per mile towards petrol/wear and tear on your car.” 

Here are four different accounts written by drivers who find volunteering for Link a very fulfilling and worthwhile experience: 

• “I’d known about the Link service from my time working in the NHS and always wondered whether I might help when I retired. We contacted the local team who came to see us and explained what was involved, (essentially as much or as little as you want) so decided to volunteer. So glad that I did. I tend to do one day a week, a day of my choice, and I’m happy to go far and wide if necessary but there’s no pressure. The choice is yours and that makes it suitable for anyone. 

“I’ve met a wide range of people who are all so grateful for the help in getting to their appointments. 

“It’s great to be able to help people, and in fairness takes so little of my time. Anyone who has some free time, enjoys a drive and want to help could do this.” 

• “After 35 years of teaching teenagers I relished the thought of retirement. The reality was I needed something to keep me active and yet I didn’t want a regular commitment. Driving for Link proved to be the answer. I can pick and choose when I want to help, I can do as little or as much as I want. I enjoy driving and meeting people and this voluntary job does both. I use the time whilst waiting for clients as a bit of me time to phone friends or catch up on reading. There is also a huge sense of satisfaction from helping people who are always genuinely grateful for our assistance.” 

• “The reason for joining Link in the first place, was that when I retired, I found myself with nothing to do after working long hours for many years. I wanted to give something back to the community and help people who needed help to get to hospitals, doctors etc. and would find it very difficult to get there by themselves.  

“After many years I still find volunteering very rewarding, as normally clients chat whilst in the car about themselves, their family and grandchildren. This often takes their mind off why they are going to hospital and reducing the stress of their appointment. It also gives them peace of mind, as they are collected from home, then drivers wait for them when they are in their appointment and deliver them back home safe and sound. All clients say what a wonderful service we provide.” 

• “I spent many years happily driving as a Wine & Spirit rep, and when I retired and had time on my hands, I needed to do something.  I joined Melksham Link over four years ago and thoroughly enjoy meeting and talking with our clients, many of whom are often on their own and also love to chat.  Melksham Link is an award-winning charity, run very professionally by dedicated committee members. We need you, come and join us, help your community.” 

For more information and/or for a no obligation chat, please call Link’s duty coordinator on 07979 129052, leaving your name and number. You could also check out the website: www.melkshamlink. com or email: melkshamlink@ gmail.com