Christmas can be a time when people are at their most generous but the many people supported by local charities need our help all year around. Volunteering is not just for Christmas.

Due to an increase in demand, one of the services needing more volunteers to help all year around is the HELP Driving Force Voluntary Car Driving Service, run by local charity HARCVS. 

This flexible volunteering opportunity is perfect for volunteers who want to offer practical help at times to suit them. Volunteer drivers offer door-to-door transport to passengers who would otherwise struggle to get to medical appointments, day centres, lunch clubs, shops, bank, post office, visits to relatives, hairdressers and other essential and social visits.

It’s a chance to see more of our beautiful district, as well as the opportunity to meet new people and getting the satisfaction of helping local people get out and about.

Sally enjoys the flexibility and volunteers around the times when she is free.  She also likes having a regular catch up with her passengers. Sally said:  ‘We pick up where we left off each week. Helping someone get from A to B is such a small thing to do but my passengers are so grateful. It makes such as difference when they are not mobile and struggling with transport.’

 ‘Having to give up your car is like giving up your independence for so many people. Helping them to get out and about gives you such a feel good factor. I would say to anyone thinking about volunteer driving to give it a go.’

People who use this service tell the Driving Force team how valuable it is, providing peace of mind about both the cost and having a reliable, friendly driver they can trust.   One passenger said:  ‘My volunteer is so dependable and has become like a friend to me. I have full confidence in the service and I honestly don’t know what I would do without it.’

If you are interested in finding out more visit helpharrogate.org.uk  or contact the HELP team on Tel: 01423 813090 or help@harcvs.org.uk

There are many other ways you can help to spread kindness in Harrogate District all year around.

If you’ve made New Year Resolutions and want to keep motivated getting active, meeting people or learning new skills there is no better way than to volunteer with other like-minded people.

To find your ideal role visit the HARCVS Volunteering Directory harcvs.org.uk/volunteer to see hundreds of opportunities to get involved and help to give people hope for a positive future.