North Shropshire Charity, Qube is looking for volunteers to join its friendly community transport team which helps to keep local people connected. Dial-a-Ride provides a friendly, door-to-door transport service for people who aren’t able to access transport. Dial-a-Ride Transport Supervisor, Michelle Kelsall said: “You would be surprised how many people find it impossible to get to the places most of us take for granted, like the doctors or the supermarket. Some people have health or mobility problems, others live miles from anywhere. Our volunteers link people up with their friends, take them to health appointments and to do their weekly shop. We’re helping people to carry on living independent lives and stop them from becoming isolated and lonely.”

The team of thirty volunteer drivers and passenger assistants work in pairs, usually for a day or half a day each week. Local man, Geoff Phillips has been a Dial-a-Ride driver for the last seven years. He said: “I love volunteering on Dial-a-Ride. It’s fun, gives some structure to my week and I’ve made loads of friends over the years. You help people worse off than you are and they are so appreciative of what you’re doing for them. And we have a bit of banter with the clients on the bus!” 

All Dial-a-Ride volunteers are given full training for their roles and even have their own chill-out room to relax in at Qube where the kettle is always on. Qube staff make sure there’s a full tin of biscuits.  

Dial-a-Ride volunteers come from all walks of life. One of the newest recruits is Passenger Assistant, Lara Mallan. She said: “I actually work four days a week but I wanted to do something positive on my day off. I get so much satisfaction out of helping people and seeing what a difference we’re making to people lives. This is a vital service for Oswestry and the surrounding villages, we’re lucky to have this in our area. I’d urge anyone who’s thinking of doing a bit of volunteering to come down to Qube and have a chat with one of us.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with Oswestry Dial-a-Ride please call Michelle Kelsall at Qube on 01691 656882 or email: info@qube-oca.org.uk.

Qube is an Oswestry based charity serving the needs of the local community through Arts and health, Community Transport and Shopmobility, Community Learning, Volunteering and Care. All of Qube services are supported by our fabulous volunteers, without whom we would be unable to operate.

Qube, Oswestry Community Action, Oswald Rd, Oswestry SY11 1RB.

Web:  www.qube-oca.org.uk 

Twitter: @qubeoca 

Facebook at Qube Arts  

Reg Charity 1063319 Inc Company 3390138