Volunteering with Community Transport NI
Community Transport is delivered by volunteers from within the local community. Volunteering not only helps to support the local community but also gives so much to the volunteer. Being a volunteer allows you to give some of your time to help in your own community. By giving as little or as much of your time as you can makes a huge difference to the local delivery of community transport solutions. Volunteers provide support and help for isolated older people, people with disabilities and children. 
Transport is the one area where you can help support the work of older people's clubs, youth groups, churches, local sports groups, mothers and toddlers and clubs for people with disabilities. By volunteering in transport you will be in contact with a wide range of people within your community.
Why not give volunteering a go. Try it out to see if you like it. You will be amazed how much your time and help will make a difference in your community.
Opportunities to volunteer are varied and available at a time / day to suit your personal schedule.
For example: if you have a few hours available on a Thursday morning then you can provide much needed support in the office or driving your car.
Volunteering posts currently available across Northern Ireland:
- Community minibus drivers - either for your own community group or as a general driver who drives on behalf of any group. Volunteers must hold a driving license and training on Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme is provided.
- Volunteer car drivers - using your own car you can volunteer to provide a lift for an individual. Out of pocket expenses are paid to cover the wear and tear and operating costs of your own car (up to 45p per mile for up to 10,000 volunteer miles and 25p per mile thereafter). Out of pocket expenses does not interfere with claims for benefits or pensions. Volunteers are asked to provide evidence of MOT, car insurance and their driving license. Training is provided to ensure you deliver the best customer care for passengers you provide transport for.
- Volunteer fundraisers - help support a local fundraising event or campaign by delivering leaflets, manning a stand or you could run your own event to raise funds for your local community transport group.
- Volunteer marketing and promotions officers- help to deliver newsletters or mailshots, put up posters or give talks to community groups. Whatever you are comfortable and happy to provide then there is a volunteering opportunity for you.
- Volunteer passenger assistant - travelling in a volunteer car or on a community minibus you will provide companionship and help for other passengers (children, older people or people with disabilities).
- Volunteer office support - volunteers can help by providing administration support - answering telephones, filing, copying or for those with computer experience input passenger trip details.
- Volunteer Board members - have your say on how your local community transport operates and delivers services by joining as a volunteer Committee member.
If you are interested in becoming a Community Transport volunteer please contact you local community transport operator during normal office hours (Mon - Fri, 9.30am - 4.30pm) and ask to speak to the local Manager. You will be asked to fill out a volunteer information form. If you will be volunteerring to drive or be a passenger assistant you maybe required to complete an AccessNI check.
"I just love volunteering. I drive my own car and give different people a lift. No two days are the same. The craic is great and it gets me out of the house. I wish I had started years ago. Its given me a new lease of life". Mrs Shaw, volunteer car driver from County Down
