Local transport charity Beverley Community Lift (BCL), is pleased to announce two upcoming volunteer events aimed at expanding its dedicated team.
Since 1970 the charity has played a crucial role in the community, offering vital transport services for medical appointments, essential shopping trips, and leisure days out—aiming to alleviate social isolation.
On a mission to recruit 32 new volunteers, marking a significant milestone for the organisation, this ambitious endeavour includes positions such as car and/or minibus drivers, passenger assistants, trustees, office administrators, and a social media coordinator.
The upcoming volunteer events, scheduled for Wednesday, 28th February, 10:00 to 13:00, at Market Weighton Community Hall and Wednesday, 6th March, 10:00 to 12:30, at Haltemprice Leisure Centre, aim to provide prospective volunteers with information about the rewarding roles available.
Mr Abbott is a BCL service user he says: “I use the minibus service on a fortnightly basis to do my shopping and have also been transported by kind volunteers who use their own cars to take people like me to medical appointments. It’s so much more than a lift, it’s a sociable outing that gets me out and about. Some of the people on the bus don’t have family to rely on and I know they might not have spoken to another person all week – BCL is a lifeline.”
In support of volunteering, recent surveys by the National Lottery Fund indicate a strong sense of community spirit, with six in ten individuals expressing their feeling of being part of their local community (61%). A remarkable 64% of respondents express a willingness to work with others to enhance their local community, and an encouraging 50% have committed to volunteering in 2024.
Retired firefighter, Rich Bushby volunteers for Beverley Community Lift. He explains: “Volunteering has transformed my retirement. BCL provides essential transportation services to those who may face mobility barriers. The impact is significant, especially as many older residents become more isolated with age. I know that offering them a friendly and enjoyable lift can truly brighten their day. At some point, I may need the support of BCL and other local charities, therefore I’m pleased to make my contribution.”
Fiona Wales, Chief Executive of Beverley Community Lift says:
“With the rising cost of living a concern for elderly residents across the East Riding, Beverley Community Lift is dedicated to doing all it can to provide cost-effective transport to essential and social appointments.
“The heart of Beverley Community Lift lies in the collective effort of its volunteers. The impact of their work is evident in our ability to continue offering services that enhance the lives of local residents.
“Plans to engage volunteers in the wider region will enable us to widen our reach to fill the gap after other services have been forced to close. These locations will include south of Cottingham to Brough, along the A164 (Haltemprice, Anlaby, Hessle, Swanland, Brough).
“Considering that almost 6 years ago we were within 3 months of having to stop our service completely this is a huge positive change, and the biggest we have undertaken in the last 8 years. We have set an ambitious target of 32 new volunteers, 12 car drivers for the new area, 6 car and/or minibus for Pocklington/Market Weighton, 4 Beverley car and/or minibus drivers, 2 Beverley passenger assistants, 3 charity shop volunteers, 2 trustees, 2 general office admin and 1 social media coordinator.
“For anyone passionate about making a difference and becoming part of a close-knit community, we’d love to meet you at our volunteer events.”
To request more information contact Beverley Community Lift at 01482 868082.
