I’m Mike, and I’ve been a Volunteer Driver at The Children's Trust for 6 years.
When I retired in 2015 I decided I wanted to get involved in something new, so I dropped into reception at The Children’s Trust and I was soon speaking to the Transport Manager!
Being a Volunteer Driver involves driving the young people we support and their families to locations like hospital appointments and outings. During the pandemic, the type of journeys we make have changed slightly - there haven't really been any fun trips or outings during this time, but we've been able to continue with hospital appointments and other visits throughout. I regularly drive to places like St George's, Epsom and Brompton Hospitals, along with Great Ormond Street. It's still strange driving around central London when you're used to either walking around or getting about on the Underground!
Volunteering at The Children's Trust is very rewarding. You really feel like you're making a contribution where you can see results.
During the first lockdown I wasn't able to volunteer, but thankfully Volunteer Drivers were able to return before the second lockdown and since then we've been able to cover pretty much every appointment.
Volunteering during the pandemic has felt different sometimes - we undertake regular Lateral Flow testing 2 or 3 times a week before we drive, and always have a mask on for journeys. There have been times when the hospitals we drive to have been a lot busier so we have to take a flexible approach and double back around, or park as near as we can. Other than that, the role as been pretty much the same as it was before.
Volunteering at The Children's Trust is very rewarding. You really feel like you're making a contribution where you can see results. My favourite parts are the discharges and home visits which are really nice.
If you're looking to volunteer then try it - you'll enjoy it, and I'm sure you’ll find as rewarding as I do.
