Volunteer Driver

Who Are We?

Reengage works for the promotion of social inclusion of older people in the UK, by facilitating social connections with their friends and peers, in person, over the telephone, and online, and by raising awareness of the impact of loneliness.

The Role

Our tea parties are monthly social gatherings for older people, aged 75 and over, who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness, and are in need of companionship. They’re a chance to enjoy conversation, laughter, tea and cake with a small group of older guests and friendly volunteers.

Become a Tea Party Driver

As a Driver you will enable guests to attend and take part in their tea party.

Most of our tea parties take place on a Sunday afternoon in a volunteer hosts home, or an external venue, for example a village hall. Tea parties usually last around two hours You will be allocated one or two guests to drive to the tea party and drive them home again afterwards

Whilst at the tea party, help ensure that all guests feel able to fully participate and socialise with all group members

To become a Tea Party Group Driver you’ll need to:

• Complete an induction - a friendly member of the team will call you, or you might choose to watch our pre-recorded video. 
• Submit an ID check – you’ll need either a passport, driving license, national insurance number or national identity card to do this.

• Provide a character reference – your referee can be an employer a colleague, a friend, neighbour or community representative.

• Complete online training – these modules will help you get the most out of the role and take approximately one hour to complete.

Practical details:

• A flexible volunteering role that fits around your availability.

• You’ll be volunteering for around 3 hours each month.

• You’ll be over 18 and able to commit to a minimum of 12 months of volunteering.

• You’ll need a full, valid licence and insurance, with an up to date MOT. We’ll ask you to notify your insurance company that you are driving for Reengage.

What skills do I need?

You'll need:

• You’re a safe driver with a vehicle that is appropriate for use

• You’ll like socialising with others and be friendly, patient, and enjoy conversation with a wide range of people

• You’ll have good listening skills and empathy

• You are responsible, will uphold our boundaries and raise any worries or concerns with Re-engage.

• You will be able to complete our online training.

You’ll gain:

• The opportunity to share, learn and develop a sense of community and belonging with local older people.

• The chance to improve your active listening skills.

• A deeper understanding of the challenges faced by older people and the impact of loneliness.

• Regular training updates and opportunities to help us improve our services.

We’ll provide:

• Comprehensive training relating to the skills you’ll need to succeed as a Tea Party Driver.

• Core training relating to safeguarding, EDI and GDPR.

• Regular updates via our volunteer newsletter, Re-engage Matters, with case studies, tips and updates relating to your role.

• One to one support throughout your volunteering journey, should you have any questions or need advice relating to your role or the Tea Party group.

• Access to our safeguarding team, who are here to support you should you have any concerns.

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.