Could you give up some of your time to help others?

Volunteers are required to use their own car and could give as little as two hours per week to help patients and carers who have difficulties accessing health services. Travel expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

The support and friendly interaction received from a volunteer driver is very valuable to the client who may be otherwise socially isolated. Some elderly people cannot access health services as they do not have any means of transportation. Attending an appointment assisted by a volunteer driver could make all the difference to them.

Denis McIlroy a volunteer driver, transports older people from their homes to various appointments and Day Care Centres. He wanted to be of service to the community and be able to put his love of driving to good use. His volunteer role allows him to be useful, busy, meet people and be involved in the community. He started driving for the Trust soon after retiring and drives two days per week. Denis says “the most enjoyable aspects are meeting and caring for people, while the highlight would be the independence and flexibility it gives”. Denis says of volunteering. “I would encourage young people to get involved so they are not bored and for older people to consider volunteering as an outlet for their energy.”

There are various other volunteer roles across the Trust that can help improve the health and wellbeing of patients & clients. Volunteers can obtain a lot of satisfaction as well as developing knowledge and skills, contributing and building friendships whilst having fun.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver or volunteering throughout the South Eastern Trust area should contact Sonya Duffy, Volunteer Services Manager, Tel: (028) 9056 4817.