Sponsored by
Motivated to mobilise
Come and join our team of brilliant volunteers.
The invitation from Shopmobility says everything about the value of those who keep the scheme running, without whom it could not work.
They've been providing a service enabling so many residents to enjoy being out and about in Hemel Hempstead town centre for no less than 16 years.
Some members of the team have been with it from day one.
Lynn Wood was one of them, later to become manager, running operations with another part timer under Community Action Dacorum who took over from the Borough Council.
Average length of service given is ten years.
"We're one happy family and make friends with everyone who comes here to use the service," said Lynn.
And the service is used about 150 times a week.
But demand to use the wheelchairs, either electric or manual, is growing all the time, as the number of elderly and disabled people in the district increases.
So the number of volunteers in the Shopmobility team, currently around 18, needs to be increased to cope with more demand and avoid putting pressure on existing helpers, particularly as they are such a willing bunch.
Lynn has found that a regular stint suits people best.
Everyone knows where they are, preferring to know in advance when they will be 'on duty' rather than waiting for a call out of the blue to see if they can fill in a slot.
Volunteers can choose to do a single session of four hours in a week, either morning or afternoon.
Some are happy to do two sessions a week, some are there three or four times a week, they like it so much.
Volunteer duties include reception and a little admin work, training people to drive the electric vehicles safely, and generally making visitors to Shopmobility feel relaxed and at home.
With a wheelchair at their disposal, people do their shopping, meet friends for lunch, visit the bank or Post Office, accessing all the services able bodied people take for granted.
Training is given on the job.
In addition to the usual 'people skills' there's another to be mentioned. That's tea making!
A variety of experience makes for a good 'mix' on school governing bodies and the Hammond Primary School in Hemel Hempstead would particularly welcome volunteers who have a background in accounting or other financial management.
Meetings, approximately 12 a year, usually take place in the evening.
Training is provided and there is ongoing support from Hertfordshire County Council.
The Volunteer Centre, The Roundhouse, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead. 01442 247209; www.volunteerdacorum.org
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
