Voluntary Care Centre | Driving Scheme

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Annual Report 2011

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Investing In Volunteers

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Lucreta La Pierre is running in the Les Witton 10K Road Race on January 22nd on behalf of VCC. To show your support, make a donation by texting "VCCF01 £5" to 70070

Driving Scheme

The VCC Driving Scheme helps residents who live in the Borough of Lewisham who would have great difficulty in using public transport.
The Coordinator matches passengers with a volunteer driver.

Our passengers come from all walks of life and are facing a wide range of issues. The journey requirements vary according to the needs of any one passenger.

For example, you might be taking an elderly lady to visit her husband in a nursing home, which may include pushing her wheelchair (only volunteer’s who are willing, or whose health allows them, will be asked to push a wheelchair), or taking someone who has suffered from a stroke to a club at the same time each week. Perhaps, you will be taking a teenager with disabilities to a physiotherapy session.

Occasionally we arrange longer journeys such as day trips to the coast or to respite care centres that are out of our area.

If you would like to find out more then you can view our task description below or email info@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk.

Task Description

What does a volunteer driver do?
Volunteers drive passengers, using their own vehicles*, on one-off or regular journeys that the passenger would otherwise be unable to complete. Mileage and other relevant expenses are reimbursed.

What else might be involved?
The passenger may need your help to assist them in and/or out of the car, or they may need to take their own escort with them.

Volunteer’s who are willing, or whose health allows them, may be asked to push a wheelchair.

You will need to collect contributions from passengers and complete a monthly expense sheet/s, returning these to the Coordinator at set times. The Coordinator requires this information to prepare volunteers expense payments and keep accounts updated.

You will also be expected to attend VCC support sessions for all volunteers (held 3-4 times each year).

How often will I drive a passenger?
This depends on the volunteer’s availability, referrers/passengers requests, length of journey and frequency. As a guideline, you should be available at least once or twice a week (weekdays and daytime). There are occasional week-end requests. Times and availability can be discussed at interview.

It is the volunteers’ responsibility to inform the Organiser of any changes within the passengers’ request/s; such changes must be discussed and agreed with the Organiser and the passenger.

Who will I drive?
Passengers must be referred by social/statutory organisations. Our passengers come from all walks of life and are facing a wide range of difficulties. For example, you might be taking an elderly lady to visit her husband in a nursing home or taking someone who has suffered from a stroke to a club at the same time each week. Perhaps, you will be taking a teenager with disabilities to a physiotherapy session.

All of our passengers live in the London Borough of Lewisham and would otherwise be unable to complete these journeys.

How are drivers and passengers introduced?
The Coordinator will let the passenger know your name and journey details. You will be given a journey sheet, detailing dates, pick-up and drop-off times, addresses, telephone number, passenger contribution level and any other vital information. You will need to use this sheet as proof of your identity on the first visit. After a probationary period of six weeks volunteers are issued with an ID card.

Do I need experience?
No. However, you will need a current full driving licence. An ability to communicate clearly, have a friendly and approachable manner and to respect other’s views are all essential.

The Organiser is here to support you in your voluntary work and therefore welcomes feedback whether it is about any concerns you may have or just keeping up to date on your progress.

*Volunteer drivers must give the coordinator permission to write to their insurance company to inform them that they are using their cars in a voluntary capacity. In our experience, insurance companies do not charge extra – it is simply a matter of being informed.

VOLUNTEERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

As a volunteer driver for the Voluntary Care Centre You will be expected to;

Respect the safety of passengers and adhere to the Highway Code.
Collect a passenger’s contribution towards the cost of the journey, on behalf of the Organisation and to return all collected funds to the Coordinator.
Develop trusting relationships.
Engage in friendly conversation. It is important not to impose your opinions and beliefs on the passenger.
Respect others’ views.
Be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Attend all relevant training and support sessions, wheelchair pushing training where appropriate.
Inform the organiser of any concerns that may arise.
Be punctual: if you are unable to keep an appointment, you must inform the passenger or the organiser at the centre in good time.
Inform the Organiser of any unattended appointments.
Inform the Organiser of any requested changes to frequency or nature of journeys. (changes need to be agreed by the Driving Scheme Coordinator)
To abide by the Equal Opportunities Policy of the Voluntary Care Centre.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Comply with VCC’s risk assessment guidelines.

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Christmas Appeal 2011

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Sainsbury's Forest Hill extends its relationship with VCC

Fantasic news for VCC recently when Sainsbury's Forest Hill confirmed it wished to extend being VCC's charity partner into 2012.

VCC runners run 10k on 10th of July

VCC managed to have a number of runners participate in the London 10K race on July 10th in Central London.

VCC enjoy a return View of Kew

VCC once again took a selected number of clients and staff to Kew gardens this summer on July 6th 2011.

Blythe Hill Festival 2011

July 2nd 2011 saw VCC Volunteers and Staff man a booth at Blythe Hill Festival to raise awareness and funds for VCC.

VCC out shaking up a storm at Sainsbury's Forest Hill

On June 25th our neighbours in Forest Hill were very generous that day by supporting VCC and donating or enquiring about the work of VCC.

Big Tea Party

On Sunday June 5th VCC held a Big Tea Party at St Saviours Church, Brockley Rise.

Christmas Project Appeal for 2011 launches

Last year VCC helped 1450 over the Christmas period through the VCC Christmas Project.

VCC welcomes and embraces New Media

VCC are now on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

AGM 2011

The VCC AGM 2011 was held at the Grove Centre on June 23rd.

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