Member Article

Recruitment drive helps region’s vulnerable people

A non-profit organisation that supports some of County Durham’s most vulnerable residents has launched a major recruitment drive for more volunteer drivers.

The Durham Social Resource Centre (SRC) works in partnership with several local authorities to offer high quality social care services to people across County Durham who need it most.

A central part of its work is the health appointment car scheme it runs in East Durham and Sedgefield that enables its beneficiaries to make essential hospital, GP, dentist and other health-related appointments.

Currently the scheme relies on the good will of around 160 volunteers who give up their own time to drive people with mobility problems to and from appointments.

While taxi companies and community transport providers such as Communicare contribute to the scheme, a number of individual drivers – most of which are either retired or currently unemployed – also take part in it.

However, amid soaring demand for Durham SRC’s services, the organisation is now on the hunt for additional volunteer drivers, particularly in the East Durham area.

Rose Thompson, head of service (Transport) at the organisation, said: “Becoming a volunteer driver gives people – especially those who are unemployed or have been made redundant – more self-respect and a real purpose in making other people’s lives that little bit easier.

“I consider our drivers to be a great part of the team and their hard work is very much appreciated and valued. I strongly encourage those who can spare the time to come on board and experience working with a supportive team and some wonderful clients.”

Interested parties are asked to contact the organisation which will provide them with full training, including first aid, safeguarding and child protection and fire prevention – meaning they can gain new skills should they be looking to re-enter employment.

To enquire about becoming a volunteer driver for Durham SRC, please call Rose Thompson on 01740 658 881.

For more information about the Company, which lists Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Durham & Darlington PCT among its partners, visit: www.durhamsrc.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .