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Driver volunteer role
Christmas Cheer 2024
Join our volunteer family
Each year, our small team at Marmalade HQ are overwhelmed with how many kind people offer their time to support their community. Through our Christmas Cheer and Marmalade Companion projects, we reach out to those most at risk of loneliness, guiding them to vital support and empowering them to make new friendships and connections.
Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
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Volunteers are at the heart of our Marmalade family, and we could not do what we do without you!
Role outline
As a Driver Volunteer, you will be responsible for collecting one, or ideally two Marmalade members (our service users) from their homes on Christmas Day and driving them to one of our host venues in Bristol, South Gloucestershire or North Somerset (typically a pub or restaurant). You will return to collect the member(s) at the end of their meal and drive them home again.
This role is suited to volunteers who can spare approximately one hour in the morning (approx 11:00-12:00) and one hour in the afternoon (approx 14:00-15:00) on Christmas Day. This may vary depending on the distance to travel and the timings of the meal.​​​
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Our members
Our Marmalade project members vary in age and ability, but all experience social isolation and/or loneliness and would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Some of our members are not used to engaging with people so they will require a friendly face and supportive and reassuring volunteers around them.
Role criteria
Essential - You must:
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Be over 18
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Be a car driver with a clean driving licence
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Have access to an insured car on Christmas Day (25th December)
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Be able to support the members in and out of the vehicle and to and from the house/venue (no manual handling)
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Be able to drive within the Bristol, South Gloucestershire or North Somerset area
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Be able to give two suitable references for a reference check (if a new volunteer)
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Be able to complete an original photo ID check (for new volunteers).
Please note, it would be desirable (but not essential) for you to have:
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A 5-door car
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The ability to take more than one member
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Space to take a mobility aid such as a walker (although not all members require this).
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Commitment required
November 2024
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Attend a training session, either online via Zoom or in-person to give you information on your role and how to support project member(s).
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December 2024
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In early December you will receive a confirmation on member(s), venue location and relevant contact details. This might be earlier, depending on referrals.
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Call member(s) to introduce yourself and let them know which venue you are taking them to on Christmas Day.
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In mid-December - call your allocated member(s) to remind them about the event and agree transport arrangements and timings. You could call them a few times in December to help them feel reassured.
Christmas Eve
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Call allocated member(s) to remind / confirm the time you will be picking them up the next day.
Christmas Day Event
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Collect member(s) at approximately 11:00/11:30 from their home (depending on location/time required to support member etc).
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Support member(s) to your car – ensuring they have locked up the house; have their house keys/mobility aid and any medications required.
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Drive member(s) to the venue and support them from the car into the venue. Driving Volunteers will then leave and return later.
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At approximately 14:00/14:30 you will return to the venue to take your member(s) home and settle them in.
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Once you have taken your member(s) home, confirm this with the Event Coordinator or Venue volunteer by text message.
Between Christmas and New Year
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Call member(s) to check in and wish them a Happy New Year.​
How to apply
If you meet the essential criteria above and would like to volunteer with us, please complete the volunteer form by 20 October 2024. If you have any queries about the roles please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Helen Ker-Bridges: Christmas@marmaladetrust.org | Phone: ​07942 359343. Once your application has been received, we will aim to contact you within 10 days to confirm availability and discuss your role. Your patience is appreciated as we are a small team. Thank you!
Other volunteering roles
This role involves collecting two members on Christmas Day and driving them to one of our host venues. You'll enjoy a meal with other volunteers and members, and help create a warm, friendly, inclusive environment. You'll transport members back home from the venue safely.
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people with a car, keen to spread some Christmas cheer
This role involves driving one or ideally two members from their homes, driving them to one of our host venues, and driving them home again afterwards. This role is suited to volunteers who can spare approximately one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
Perfect for: Friendly people with a car and around two hours to spare on Christmas Day
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This role involves hosting a Christmas Cheer event at a local pub or restaurant with one or two others. You'll liaise with members and venues, collect hampers before the event, help set up the venue as well as other important jobs to ensure the day runs smoothly for volunteers and members.
Perfect for: Organised, friendly and reliable people who make others feel special
This role involves visiting two of our members on Christmas Day, having a chat on the doorstep and delivering a festive hamper gift. Find out how they are and bring a bit of Christmas cheer. Some of our members are unable to attend one of our events, so a doorstep visit can really make their day!
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people keen to spread some Christmas cheer
