Can you help?
We need new volunteer drivers!
One of the greatest preventable health conditions in older people is actually the effect of loneliness. It is reported that the impact is comparable to that of well-known risk factors such as obesity and has a similar influence to cigarette smoking. The Friendship Alliance organises events across the Borough to address this and get people mixing – but we can only succeed if residents can get to these events!
We are now seeking to establish a pool of volunteer drivers who could be available to pick up and drop off clients who are unable to drive themselves or use public transport.
If you’d like to know more please contact us at volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
The Friendship Alliance*, operating throughout Wokingham Borough, recognises the harm experienced by older people who are living alone and have little or no contact with friends or family on a day to day basis.
The impact of loneliness is reported to be significant – it can shorten lifespan in older people by two to four years and can double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, research shows that socially engaged older people experience less cognitive decline and are less prone to dementia, so there are some proven ways to mitigate these risks. Not only will this improve their quality of life but it will also ensure they are able to stay living in their own home for longer, something that is incredibly important to many people.
Creating events and running fun social activities for older people is something the Friendship Alliance does on a regular basis. However, these events are only successful if people can get there! By definition, many lonely people have no personal means of transport and may be unable to use public transport. This is where you may be able to help!
We are looking to recruit a pool of volunteer drivers who can take residents to these events and then bring them home safely afterwards. Typically, the events are run during the daytime for an hour and a half or two hours and take place across the Borough. The range of events spans sing-alongs to bowls to Active Minds sessions and even ‘Pie and a Pint’ lunches.
Our aim is to establish a pool of 20 drivers so that we will be able to ensure people can get to these sessions and spread the load across the pool of volunteers so it never becomes too onerous. It could be just a half hour trip to drop off and the same again later on to return the client home, which may be more achievable for volunteers with other commitments.
If you have your own car, can spare a couple of hours most, or even some, weeks and would like to support the Friendship Alliance with this much needed project, please get in touch. All travel expenses will be covered and you will be joining an amazing team of volunteers doing wonderful things to help vulnerable people lead a happy and fulfilling life for much longer. Please email us at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or call us on 0118 977 0749.
* The Friendship Alliance is a partnership between The Wokingham Volunteer Centre, Age UK Berkshire, Link Visiting and Involve Community.