Drive for more volunteers to help transport charity
A much-loved and valued Mid Argyll charity is looking for volunteers after becoming a victim of its own success.
Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers (MATV) has around 400 clients on its books and only 26 volunteer drivers.
The drivers are an essential lifeline to many Mid Argyll people, taking them to medical appointments in Glasgow, Oban, Campbeltown and often locally in Mid Argyll.
Clients who use the service are unable to utilise public transport, either due to ill health, or because it simply does not run in conjunction with their appointments.
Catherine Kennedy, MATV co-ordinator, said they would welcome volunteers from all
Iain McConaghy with driver Belinda Braithwaite and MATV co-ordinator Catherine Kennedy. walks of life, who can offer as much or as little of their time as they like.
At the moment, the charity is in particular need of people who can do short local runs, such as to Mid Argyll Community Hospital.
Ella Wilson, a volunteer driver from Kilmichael Glen, said: “I just find it so much fun. You take so many people you would never normally meet in other circumstances.
“They have all got lovely stories and chats, you can get to know somebody quite well in the space of a car journey.
“It’s a really rewarding fun thing to do and I think everybody who volunteers would say the same.”
Ella volunteered because she wanted to help make life a little easier for others in the community who might struggle for transport to attend critical appointments and treatments.
She added: “I think it’s important to know that volunteers don’t have to set aside specific hours or days of the week. It’s completely flexible and you can just take on a drive as and when you are able.
“From the small amount of time I put in, I get so much back from it and love feeling that I can maybe help someone.
“Whether it’s just a short hop to the local doctor, dentist or optician, or a longer drive to take someone to an appointment in Oban or Glasgow, Catherine works so hard to meet the demands and match everyone with an available driver.
“It’s not at all necessary to have a special or large car to volunteer – I just have a very small one and that’s fine.”
Janet Jardine of Kilmartin, another volunteer driver, said: “I enjoy meeting people and I love driving, especially in Argyll with its interesting roads and single-track routes by loch sides.
“I appreciate that as a volunteer I can do as many or as few passenger trips as I wish. There are some months when I may not be available for two or three weeks, but I make sure the transport co-ordinator is aware of this.
“Volunteer driving and the people I have met along the way has enhanced my life here in Mid Argyll.”
All anyone has to do is inform their insurance company that they are volunteer for a charity. Drivers are reimbursed 45p a mile and it does not affect insurance and is not taxable.
Co-ordinator
Catherine
Regular MATV user Iain McGilp.
Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers driver Janet Jardine. pointed out: “We don’t need the whole day. We are looking for people that could do even an hour.
“We have a list of names we go through, so drivers don’t have to feel pressured if they are unavailable, I can phone the next person on the list.
“It would suit anyone who has a car, has the ability to drive and also is interested in people.”
Belinda Braithwaite of Lochgilphead is another volunteer. She said: “We try to help as many clients as we can.
“I benefited from it when I broke my ankle and I thought, I can do this. Even a run a week is a help. I love the cheery way that it all just works. It is never onerous.”
The MATV has been in existence for more than 30 years. It is currently looking for new recruits, as some have left the area, while others’ circumstances have changed.
Catherine said: “Medical appointments take priority over everything else. We have had to stop doing shopping runs. We just can’t cope with the number of clients.
“The more drivers we have, the more people we can help."
Iain McConaghy of Lochgilphead has a muscle wasting disease. He said: “Through this scheme Belinda took me up to Oban this time last year and we have turned out to be really good friends.”
He added: “MATV is an absolute essential service for the local community. Many people especially the older generation do not have access to a car or public transport and some do not have any relatives to take them to hospital appointments.
“Most appointments at hospital in Glasgow or Oban do not tie in with public transport times. Therefore, people would have to travel the night before with the cost of an overnight stay. Also, coaches are very difficult to access if you are old and infirm or have, for example, a muscle wasting disease.
“The volunteer drivers are always on time, courteous and helpful with regards to getting in and out of the car.
“They are always discreet and do not divulge any information about other patients and are good at listening if you wish to discuss anything with them.”
Iain McGilp of Lochgilphead has been a regular user of the service over the last three years.
He said: “I had to go for surgery and chemotherapy at the Beatson in Glasgow. I’ve been up and down to various hospitals. The volunteers have managed to give me a tour of the West Coast of Scotland.”
To find out more about becoming a volunteer driver, contact Catherine Kennedy, MATV coordinator, by email at matvcoordinator@gmail. com or by telephone on 01546 60 3564.