Wanted: Volunteer Drivers

This weekend the sun was shining in Crowborough, so our Community Engagement Lead, Iain, took the opportunity to set up a Good Company stand in the town centre.

With flyers in hand, he spent the day chatting with local residents about Good Company and speaking to people who might be interested in volunteering.

Right now, our biggest and most urgent volunteer need is drivers.

A number of people who come to Good Company clubs and activities can no longer drive themselves. Some have given up their licence because of changes in confidence, health or memory. Others simply do not have easy access to transport.

Without a lift, it can become very difficult to stay connected.

In conversations within the Good Company team, transport comes up again and again as one of the practical barriers people face. Someone may want to attend a lunch club, a games session or a walk, but if they cannot get there, the opportunity simply disappears.

A short drive across town might not sound like much, but it can make the difference between someone staying active and connected or becoming increasingly isolated at home.

We see it every week. When someone arrives at a club for the first time, often after weeks or months of hesitation, the relief is visible. A friendly welcome, a cup of tea and a familiar face can transform the day.

Behind many of those moments is a volunteer driver who made it possible.

The challenge we are facing

As Good Company grows, more people are reaching out for support and connection. That is wonderful, but it also means the need for transport is increasing.

At the moment we rely on a small number of generous volunteers who offer lifts when they can. They are extraordinary people and we are incredibly grateful for them. But the demand is growing faster than the number of drivers.

Volunteer drivers have therefore become one of our most urgent priorities.

What volunteering as a driver involves

Being a volunteer driver is simple and flexible.

It might mean collecting someone from their home and bringing them to a Good Company club once or twice a month. It might be a short journey across town or a lift to a nearby activity.

The most important part is not the driving itself. It is the human connection.

Often the journey becomes part of the experience. A chat in the car. A familiar routine. Someone looking forward to seeing you.

For many people, that small moment of companionship matters just as much as the club they are attending.

Take a look at the job description on our volunteering page

Looking ahead: the need for vehicles too

Alongside recruiting volunteer drivers, we are also beginning to explore longer term transport solutions.

As Good Company continues to grow, we will need additional vehicles so that we can support more people to attend clubs, circles and community activities safely and reliably.

We are therefore also looking for funders or partners who might be able to support the purchase or running costs of community cars.

Transport is often the hidden barrier that stops people taking part. If we can solve that problem, many more doors open.

Could you help?

If you enjoy driving and have a little time to spare, volunteering as a driver is one of the most practical and meaningful ways to support Good Company.

Even offering a lift occasionally can make a real difference.

And if you know someone who might be interested, please do share this with them.

You can find out more or register your interest by contacting the Good Company team.

Together we can make sure that no one misses out on connection simply because they cannot get there.