Page 18 - Oundle Life December 2021

VOLUNTEER ACTION
Befriending Scheme
Volunteer Action (VA) is a local charity which operates in Oundle, Thrapston, and over 50 surrounding villages. Its principal activity is the running of a community car scheme which aims to provide reasonably-priced transport for those in genuine need who live in the
area. Its volunteer drivers take passengers to hospital, surgery or dental appointments, and for social and shopping trips.
VA also provides a befriending service, with befrienders giving one-to-one support and companionship for the elderly, and those isolated by disability, through home visits.
A recent survey found an ongoing demand for a phone befriending service, and this is now a permanent part of our offer. We are currently supporting over 75 people on the phone, plus 40 on home visits.
It would be impossible for VA to deliver its
services without its volunteers, which number around 135, covering drivers, befrienders and office staff. We currently are short of drivers, particularly in Thrapston and its villages.
We pay our drivers 40p per mile for their mileage, including home to pick-up point. Our passengers pay the same rate, but only for the passenger return mileage. Both passengers and drivers enjoy the opportunity for conversation which contributes to reducing social isolation.
VA is partly funded by grants from Local Authorities and the NHS, but also relies on donations and its own fund-raising activities.
If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer, use VA’s services or willing to make a donation, then please visit our website www.volunteeractionoundle.org.uk
or call us on 01832 27543
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01832 272527
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@oundleosteopaths
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