“Giving time each week feels vitally important in affecting other lives.”

As part of Community Transport Week, we’re highlighting the volunteers who give their time to help others stay independent and connected. Volunteer drivers play a vital role, not just providing transport, but offering companionship, support, and reassurance to those who may otherwise struggle to get out and about. Meet Peter, a volunteer driver who shares what inspired him to get involved, the meaningful moments he has experienced, and why he believes community transport is so important.

What inspired you to become a Volunteer Driver, and what keeps you motivated to give your time?

Had recently retired but very aware I still felt I wanted to contribute in some way. I was fortunate to still have good health and mobility and enjoyed driving and more importantly talking to others was something I had always enjoyed in my career dealing with the public as I had done for many years. When I read about the service it seemed such a great cause to be involved with and certainly four months on I witness every week how much the service is appreciated by its passengers. It really feels like giving time each week is so vitally important in affecting other lives.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journeys that shows the impact community transport has on people’s lives?

I recently drove a lovely very elderly lady to a breast clinic appointment. She was so nervous and worried and had no relatives nearby or close family. Her mobility was an issue too as she was very unsteady. I believe she was 92. The lady asked if I would mind accompanying her to her appointment and wait with her to chat and distract her from her concerns. Of course, I gladly did and we had a number of great conversations throughout the journey and whilst at the hospital. On leaving her she was quite emotional and said I had helped turn what she was expecting to be an unpleasant afternoon into a really lovely trip out! It was a lovely afternoon, and it made me really feel I had made a difference to her that day.

Why do you think Community Transport is so important, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to get out and about?

It really is so important. It gives clients the peace of mind and an amount of independence that can be missing for a variety of reasons, obviously health and wellbeing being a major factor. To attend these appointments for some with no family, relatives nearby, and in some cases no friends still alive, it is, I know, a great comfort to have this overall support and of course with those on a limited budget it ensures they receive the appropriate care with hopefully no concerns over the cost of transportation which of course privately would for many be prohibitively.

Peter’s story highlights the profound difference volunteer drivers make — providing not only safe and reliable transport but companionship, reassurance, and independence to those who need it most.

If you’d like to explore volunteer driver opportunities in Hertfordshire, see available roles here: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/volunteer/all/opportunities?search_radius=8&q=driver