Organisation Name:
York Neighbours
Organisation's Cause(s):
Local Community
Location of voluntary activity:
Our outings take place within the York area so you would never have to travel too far. These are typically quite central but every now and then we might organise a trip to somewhere more on the outskirts of the city. You can simply offer help for the outings you feel comfortable/want to help with.
When are volunteers needed: Our outings take place typically every 6 weeks or so but they are never 100% evenly spaced. Sometimes we'll have 2 within a couple of weeks but this is rare. It just depends on the availability of the places we are planning to visit.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Community Work
Driving
Event Support
Volunteering with Older Adults
Role description:
Our Social Outing Support Volunteers typically pick up 1-3 Neighbours around their area and drive them to our outings, and then back home again at the end. Our volunteers are not excepted to act as 'carers' during the event but are welcome to join in with activities and we will always provide food and/or drinks if that is what the outing entails. Drivers are also welcome to claim their mileage back if they wish; we wouldn't want anyone to be out of pocket.
If you would like to help out at these outings but can't/don't want to drive for them, we still appreciate your assistance. You're more than welcome to just attend the outing and help people get seated and keep them company without driving anyone there. Some Neighbours have quite complex mobility needs so the more pairs of hands we can get to help, the better. There's also always a high Neighbour: Volunteer ratio so having extra helpers there for company would be much appreciated.
Some examples of outings we've had recently include boccia, trips to see local choirs, afternoons teas with Bootham School, and a visit to the Railway Museum.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
To drive to and from these outings, you will need to provide proof of driving insurance and will need to complete a DBS check. You don't need any specialist skills to be a volunteer driver, but you will need to be patient with the Neighbours with limited mobility and work hard to take care of them when they are in your car (i.e driving slowly and taking care when turning sharp corners). Other than that, you'll just need to be able to socialise with both the Neighbours and other volunteers, and try to encourage those who are shy to get involved.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? Yes
Volunteer's own vehicle required? Yes
Suitable for:
Hearing impaired
Intellectual/Learning Disabilities
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
Volunteers with limited English
Work Experience
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
Joining the York Neighbours team means becoming part of a thriving community in York. Volunteering with us will allow you to contribute acts of kindness to those who are isolated, and may not have local support. We welcome Volunteers and Neighbours from all backgrounds and experiences, meaning you will meet people from all walks of life, particularly from a different generation.
We offer full training as part of the onboarding process, and share further opportunities whilst you are with us. You will grow skills such as communication, self-confidence and practical knowledge. If you have any specialist skills, we will work with you to grow these.
How to get involved:
Please visit our website to complete our Volunteer Application form. This will be sent to the office team who will then invite you to an introductory session. This will allow us to get to know each other, and provide a space for us to answer any queries you may have.
If you would like to contact us, please email info@yorkneighbours.org.uk or call us on 01904 891 627.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-03-2027