DOWNLAND VOLUNTEER GROUP

Address: The Surgery, High Street, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 6NJ

Office Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 12.00 Noon

Telephone No: (01635) 578394

Handybus Organiser Telephone No: (01635) 202519

Web Site: www.downlandvolgroup.org        e-mail address:    info@downlandvolgroup.org

Handybus Drivers

A Handybus is at present used by the Downland Practice, but is available most afternoons and evenings for other uses. Currently it is used mostly in the afternoons for shopping trips for the elderly, but it can be used by other groups assuming that there is a driver available. We currently have just over 10 drivers but are always grateful for more.

Where am I required to drive?

We drive mostly to local towns on shopping trips. Currently these are: Newbury, Wantage, Abingdon and Didcot. A local Youth Club  also uses it, on an ad hoc basis.

How much time must I give?

Some drivers do a regular weekly “run”, but any offer to drive would be greatly appreciated.

Who pays for my petrol?

A mileage allowance is paid for your journey from home, via the pickup point for the Handybus, and back to home. Each driver submits an expense claim, usually on a quarterly basis, detailing his/her journeys and mileage claimed.

What about my insurance?

Your insurance company should be notified that you are volunteer driving, but not for gain or reward. In nearly all cases they will not charge any additional premium for voluntary work.

Can I drive the Handybus?

Yes, providing that you are aged 25 or over and have a clean driving license. You will be given a small “test” by a qualified examiner to ascertain if you are competent to drive the Handybus.

How can I become a driver?

Just call the number of the Handybus co-ordinator at the top of this page for more details. Your call will be greatly appreciated.

Conclusion

You will meet a lot of interesting people and if you wish, you can do your own shopping at the same time. You will also, we hope, feel the benefit of doing something worthwhile that will help and be appreciated by others.

 Registered Charity No: 1112181             Company Limited By Guarantee No: 5572984