A voluntary car/good neighbours scheme provides a range of supportive services provided by members of a local community to people who live in their area. Services provided include: transport, shopping, visiting and picking up prescriptions/pensions.
There are approximately 100 voluntary car or good neighbours schemes in Surrey. The schemes operate with volunteers using their own cars to provide transport.
Surrey Community Action provides further information on voluntary car schemes including guidance on how to set up a scheme in your local area.
To find your local car scheme please use our find my nearest page or visit the Surrey Community Action website.
Also, you can contact Vicki Turton, Voluntary Car Scheme Adviser, via email at vickit@surreyca.org.uk or by phone 01483 447121, for enquiries regarding how to set up a new Voluntary Car Scheme or to become a volunteer driver.
Testimonies from users of Voluntary Car Schemes
Case study: Woking
Doug from Mayford became a client of Neighbourly Help Around Mayford when health issues meant that he could no longer drive. Doug says: "My wife is in a nursing home and one of the volunteer drivers takes me to see her once a week. Without that support I really wouldn't see her very often. My daughters don't live nearby and it's a comfort to them to know that I can still see their Mum."
Wendy is a volunteer driver for Neighbourly Help Around Mayford and helps local people like Doug to get out and about. "I can't stand not being busy" she says. "Once my grandchildren started to go to school, I needed something else to do. It's great to know that I can help Doug to stay in contact with his wife or just pop someone to the doctor's. Those small trips make such a big difference."
Becoming a volunteer driver is easy and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, as well as decide the days and times during which they are available.
Case study: Spelthorne
Trisha lives in Stanwell and was originally a volunteer for Stanwell Good Neighbours before a stroke meant that she had to stop driving and become a client herself. Trisha says: "I would go spare if I didn't have people to talk to. That's why Stanwell Good neighbours is such a lifeline because I know I can ask them to take me out to get together with friends otherwise I wouldn't see a soul."
Carol is a volunteer driver for Stanwell Good Neighbours and helps local people like Trisha to get out and about. "It's such a lovely way to help people" she explains. "And it's so easy – you just do as much or as little as you want to as there's no regular commitment. My clients are always so appreciative which makes it so worthwhile."
Becoming a volunteer driver is easy and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, as well as decide the days and times during which they are available.
Drive into Action Campaign
The Drive into Action Campaign seeks to recruit more volunteer drivers. Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a volunteer driver on Surrey Community Action website.
