Volunteer drivers in demand

STAFF at aged care organisation Uniting AgeWell are putting the call out for volunteer drivers to help deliver their community transport services.

Team leader Ray Chamberlain said their numbers have seen a significant drop off since the pandemic.

“We’ve had a bit of a shortage due to COVID. In Ballarat we currently have eight volunteers and that number is slowly dwindling,” he said.

“We’re looking for at least another 10. We generally get people between their 60s and 70s and servicing people over 65.

“Our volunteers take people predominantly to medical appointments but we’ll take them anywhere from shopping to hairdressers to personal visits.

“Most of them probably couldn’t manage to catch a bus to and from those appointments so giving them that personalised service, often bringing them to and from the building entrance, is invaluable.

“The problem we have is we can’t keep bringing clients on if we don’t have the drivers to get them where they need to go.”

Mr Chamberlain said prior to the pandemic, they had 18 drivers registered in Ballarat and that he’s hoping they can reach that number again.

Colin Harris has been a volunteer driver with Uniting AgeWell for about a year and said it’s been a rewarding experience.

“It’s a pleasure to drive them around. I really enjoy just helping out especially with some of the older people who can’t get in or out of the car,” he said.

“I’ve had a bit of spare time these days so this started from there. I would definitely recommend people give this a go because it’s definitely needed.”

Mr Chamberlain said volunteer drivers are integral to their operation.

“They are it. They provide transport to a really valuable section of the community that generally can’t access it for a number of reasons,” he said.

Call 13 93 75 or email [email protected] for more information.