Help tackle loneliness and social isolation among older people.
Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. Drivers take older people to the parties and stay with them to enjoy the get-together. Over time, drivers and older guests get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter, and stories.
As a tea party driver, you liaise with your group coordinator and take older guests to and from the tea parties each month. Staying at the tea party is part of your role, so it’s much more than being a driver.
You will need to have a full, clean, driving license, and either a DBS (in England and Wales) or PVG (in Scotland). You will also need to check that you are covered by your regular motor insurance policy to do this role.
Tasks include:
Driving one to two older guests using your own car to a tea party venue and returning them home again after the event .
Staying at the tea party to help with conversation and serve refreshments.
Liaising with the group coordinator to confirm which older guests you will pick up.
Informing the group coordinator of any safeguarding concerns or issues you might have.
Following all guidance in your driver training modules to ensure that the tea parties are enjoyable, appropriate, and in line with our charitable aims.
We are looking for volunteer drivers with the following skills and attributes:
Organised
Good conversational skills
Considerate driving ability
Ability to navigate to new addresses
A friendly, and empathetic approach
Patience and understanding of supporting older people
Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use emails)
Sunday afternoons, once a month.
As one of our valued volunteer drivers, you will receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your group coordinator.
This is a fulfilling and enjoyable role which will enable you to gain valuable experience with a national charity and, most importantly, connect with lonely older people and make a real and lasting difference to their lives.
