Community Car Schemes provide a lifeline to those who would otherwise be unable to get to medical appointments, to the shops or to keep in touch with relatives and friends. Journeys are booked by a coordinator, and volunteer drivers are always needed.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- doing something for others feels good;
- it will grow your social networks locally – forming relationships with people you might not ordinarily get to meet;
- supporting people to stay living independently at home strengthens local communities.
“I have met so many amazing people while volunteering, and it really makes my day when I see that I’ve made a difference to someone!” Care Network volunteer
How to contact
Where to go
Available Throughout South Cambridgeshire District
UK
What to expect
As a volunteer driver for a Community Car Scheme, you could offer a lifeline for local, isolated people who would otherwise find it difficult to get around. Most Community Car Schemes use drivers based in the village in which each Scheme operates – this helps keep the cost of each journey down. You can offer as much time as often as you are able – each journey is booked by a coordinator ahead of time so you can say whether you are available or not – there’s no pressure if it’s not convenient.
The Care Network helps to set up, support and sustain Community Car Schemes and may be able to help with any enquiries you may have – for example, if you’d like to set up a Community Car Scheme in your village. Care Network have also developed this guide for volunteer drivers.
If you are interesting in volunteering as a driver, you can find out more from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) – volunteer drivers are paid 15p per mile and CPCA can assist with insurance and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. To find out how you can help, please get in touch with CPCA via the contact information provided.
To find your local Community Car Scheme visit this webpage or call Care Network’s Community Navigator for South Cambs on 01954 212100 or visit https://care-network.org.uk/community-information-and-advice
Care Network has a range of other volunteering opportunities across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire – find out more here.
More information
Care Network Cambridgeshire helps people to stay healthy, independent and in touch with their community. Whether it is supporting someone who has just been discharged from hospital, or encouraging someone feeling anxious about getting out and about safely, Care Network provide an invaluable and trusted service, in partnership with the NHS, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.
Volunteering as a driver is free and you’ll be reimbursed for mileage.
How to contact
Where to go
Available Throughout South Cambridgeshire District
UK
