Volunteers – particularly drivers – needed to ensure Volunteer Centre West Berkshire continues thriving for another 50 years

A volunteer centre is making a plea for more volunteers to help keep it thriving – for another 50 years, writes Dan Colquhoun.

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, a charitable incorporated organisation, is looking to recruit more volunteers to help with several different important aspects of the day-to-day running of the centre.

It provides information, guidance and advice to help people discover more than 350 volunteering opportunities across the district.

The volunteer centre, founded in 1974, is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and there has never been a greater need for its help.

CEO Rachel Peters told us what is needed to help the centre continue its great work.

“We are always grateful to have so many wonderful volunteers on a daily basis,” she said.

“The one scheme we really require further help with is our Volunteer Car Scheme.

“This service allows us to provide transportation for people who find it difficult to use public transport.

“This may be for the elderly, but we also for those with permanent or temporary disabilities and to children and families.”

The centre needs more people to volunteer to drive minibuses and cars for those that need the transportation service.

For those wishing to help out, the volunteer centre simply requires you to have a clean driving licence and be between the ages of 25 and 80.

Sue Campbell (pictured above), a volunteer with the centre since 1981, expressed her joy at being a part of the organisation.

She also explained why there is such a need for more volunteers to join.

“I have worked in the office, been out volunteering on the streets and am now a driver, mainly, and I love it,” she said.

“The difference we can make to people’s lives is so rewarding and I am proud to have been a small cog in the centre’s great work for so many years.

“We are in desperate need of more drivers. Our Volunteer Car and Handybus schemes always need more help.”

There are also other roles available should you wish to get involved.

Help is required to run the Shopmobility Scheme, which provides 22 manual wheelchairs, four powered wheelchairs and 26 electric scooters, as well as free parking for Shopmobility users (a wheelchair-accessible toilet is also available).

Furthermore, the small team that runs the head office in Broadway House, Newbury, would also love to grow in numbers.

The centre rewards its volunteers with social events throughout the year and its 50th birthday party in two weeks will see many of the dedicated volunteers recognised for their hard work.

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering then head to the website www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk or call 01635 49004.

The volunteer centre team will be in Northbrook Street tomorrow (Friday, September 13) from 10am to 3pm chatting to people about the volunteering opportunities available.

They will have the Handy Bus and Community Car out, along with long-standing volunteer Sue and hope to encourage more volunteers to get involved.

Go along for a chat and to find out how you can get involved.