Volunteering

Administration Roles

Our voluntary administrators are based in the DIAL A RIDE office at Allendale House. There are usually 2 volunteers in the DIAL A RIDE office which is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The job involves taking telephone bookings, putting the details on the computer and producing booking forms for the drivers with all the client and journey details.

It is essential to have a basic level of computer skills. Full training is given on the systems used.

It is also essential to have a good telephone manner.

You would normally work one morning a week but it helps to be flexible to cover for holidays, illness etc.

If you are interested in volunteering to be an office administrator, please contact the DIAL A RIDE office on 01202 880699 for more information.

Driving Roles

The driver’s role is to transport our clients, many of whom are in wheelchairs, in one of our customised cars, from where they wish to be picked up to their destination.

Although many of our clients are able bodied, some are not, and you will have to have the empathy and patience to deal with a wide variety of disabilities. You will be given training in wheelchair handling and securing. A county-approved examiner will ride with you before you can drive for DIAL A RIDE to ensure that your driving standard is satisfactory. And you will be DBS checked.

The driver co-ordinator will agree with you, usually a month in advance, which days you are able to drive. The day before you will be called by the office and given your jobs for the next day. Each job will have a booking form detailing destinations, pick up times etc. You are also given a ‘float’ containing £10.00. You collect the money that is due from the client and put it in the ‘float’ bag. At then end of your day, the money and paperwork are left in the main office at Allendale House and the Driver’s Bag is returned to the DIAL A RIDE lobby.

The driver notes the start and end mileage and fills up the car if the tank falls much below half.

DIAL A RIDE is friendly and welcoming. It’s a great job. One that is much appreciated by the clients, for many of whom it is a life-line.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a driver for DIAL A RIDE please contact the office on 01202 880699 for more information.