Volunteer Driver – The Good Company People in Wadhurst

The Good Company People is a dementia-welcoming community organisation offering practical help, friendly groups and one-to-one support for people growing older. We believe ageing should still mean growing together. We work with older adults, carers, and people living with dementia or facing changes in how they think, feel or live day to day.

Role Purpose

To help members stay connected by providing safe, reliable, and friendly transport to and from The Good Company People (TGCP) activities, including Clubs, Circles, and community outings. Every journey you make helps older people and carers maintain friendships, confidence, and independence.

Role Description

As a Volunteer Driver, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping members get where they need to be safely, comfortably, and with Good Company along the way. You’ll use your own car to provide door-to-door transport, helping members stay connected, independent, and involved in their community. Each journey is an opportunity to brighten someone’s day, offering warmth, reliability, and a friendly chat along the way. You’ll be part of a caring volunteer team that keeps our community connected, one lift at a time.

What You’ll Do

• Drive members to and from TGCP Clubs, Circles, and community activities
• Provide a warm, friendly presence and help members feel relaxed and supported
• Keep your vehicle roadworthy, insured, and comfortable for passengers
• Communicate promptly with TGCP staff about any changes, delays, incidents, or concerns
• Occasionally, if interested and appropriately licensed, drive a TGCP minibus for group outings or special events
• Contribute your lived experience and insights to TGCP’s shared Know How, our shared learning on ageing well

Time Commitment

Typically 1–3 hours per week, depending on availability and journey needs. 1–2 hours per month for reflection, learning, team connection, and social activities. Occasional participation in training sessions or volunteer development events. Hours are flexible and can be arranged around your other commitments.

You’d Be Great For This If You Are:

• A safe, confident, and courteous driver
• Patient, kind, friendly, calm, and reliable under pressure
• Passionate about reducing loneliness and supporting older people and carers
• Comfortable chatting with people from all walks of life
• Keen to make a simple but powerful difference in your community

You don’t need professional driving experience, just a safe, insured car, a full UK licence (with no more than six points), and a willingness to help others.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• Meet wonderful people and make a real difference in their lives
• Help others stay active, independent, and connected
• Gain experience in community support
• Know that your work makes a real difference to older people and carers in your community
• Flexible hours that fit around your life
• Be part of a supportive, caring team of volunteers
• Connection, friendship, and lots of laughter along the way
• Mileage and expenses covered, plus recognition for your contribution

Training and Support

You’ll receive full training to help you feel confident and supported in your role:

• Introduction to Good Company (5 hours, in person)
• Safeguarding (1.5 hours, online)
• Driver Induction and Safety Training (2 hours, in person or online)
• Dementia Awareness (90 minutes, online)
• TGCP Dementia Training (1 day, in person)

Ongoing support includes regular supervision, quarterly all-team meetings, and regular training and social sessions to aid development, connect with fellow volunteers, and share experiences. Mileage and expenses are covered. You will require a DBS check for this role, however we will cover the cost.

Clubs run Monday‑Saturday with a mixture of daytime and evening activities. Current activities are based mainly in Crowborough, Uckfield, Wadhurst, and Ticehurst.

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on 01825 760019, or email us at office@wealdenvolunteering.org.uk