New volunteers needed as demand for Link scheme soars

Melksham and District Link service is looking to new volunteers, following a 30% surge in demand for its services in recent weeks.

Link is a charity where volunteers drive clients to medical appointments when they have no other way of getting there. They wait for their client and then drive them home after their appointment. Clients are asked for donations towards the cost of the trip and drivers are recompensed at 45p per mile in expenses.

In May this year the service completed 236 trips, up from 181 in 2022. Since 1st January, more than 1,000 trips have been made for Melksham residents with the most popular destination being the RUH in Bath.

Trips to Bristol, Swindon, and Salisbury as well as many more local destinations have also taken place. However, driver holidays combined with other things such as car breakdowns and illness mean that the service really does need more volunteer drivers. Unfortunately in May, Link had to turn down several requests because of a lack of available drivers.

Chairperson Liz Rowley said, “The volunteer driving role is not too onerous and volunteers choose which days they wish to volunteer and where they are prepared to drive. Some drivers only do local trips whilst others are willing to drive to almost any destination. It really is a very flexible volunteering role and open to anyone of any age or circumstance.

“Drivers report that they feel they are doing something that is really valued by our clients and find it a rewarding experience which doesn’t take up too much of their time.

“We are also looking for volunteers to help coordinate the lifts. Volunteer coordinators work from home using a phone and laptop that Link provide. This is a great role for well organised people who are happy chatting to our clients and drivers on the phone.

“I believe these roles really suit recently retired people. They provide a way of giving you a purpose but without the regular commitment of a full-time job. One of our newly recruited volunteer coordinators said it was nice to use her brain again. Our drivers feel a great sense of satisfaction about being able to help others and enjoy the social interaction with clients. Our aim is to make a difference in Melksham.”

Driver Ian Argyle, who joined Link last October, said, “The benefit that the Link scheme brings to Melksham is clear; it feels like a real privilege to be a small part of the process.”

Meeting a range of interesting people prompted Ian to volunteer; he shared the story of the lady he has driven several times who loves to interact with his Satnav. He said, “She tells her daughter that I have a talking car. It has been a revelation to have spent time with complete strangers and having the opportunity to discover their background and history.

“Due to the increased demand at present, Link is also reminding clients that they do need to book their trips at least a week in advance,” said Liz. “It is very difficult to help with requests at short notice.”

Anyone interested in a volunteering role should contact Link on 0797 912 9052 or email them via melkshamlink@gmail.com to arrange a chat about the opportunity.  More details on the service can be found at www.melkshamlink.com