Young Carers Ad-Hoc Driver

General: Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers is a project managed by Hart Voluntary Action - a local charity based in Fleet which supports the voluntary and community sector. We deliver a support service to anyone aged 7-25 years living in Hart and Rushmoor who cares, unpaid, for a family member who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or an addiction.

We run term-time Young Carers Clubs on the following nights: Tuesday (Junior Group), Wednesday (Senior Group) and every other Thursday (YACs Group). We also provide additional opportunities for members to attend trips, residentials and respite activities during the school holidays.

Our older members also have access to 1:1 support, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group and young leader programme which gives them a chance to get involved in running activities at our younger clubs. Community transport is available and attendance free, and there is no charge for any of the food, drinks or activities provided. The main focus of all our activities is on the young carers having fun, meeting/socialising with others in a similar situation and receiving respite from their caring responsibilities. An additional aim is to give them as many enjoyable, educational and challenging activities as possible to help improve their confidence/self-esteem, develop new skills and cope with the issues that affect their lives.

The Role:

We are looking for volunteer drivers to help provide transport for our Junior, Senior & YAC Clubs. This commitment can be as frequent as you want it to be and help may also be required for one off trips, residentials, and respite activities during the school holidays.

You will be asked to join a group chat that we will use to communicate any last-minute transport needs as well as general information for trips etc.

Routes will be arranged so that drivers are transporting young carers living in the same area or on route to the clubs / activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Liaise with Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers staff to gather instructions for young carer(s) pick-ups/drop offs
• Responsible for young carer(s) accessing vehicle to/from home and venue
• Responsible for ensuring children under the age of 14 are wearing the appropriate restraints
• Provide friendly conversation with young carers(s) during journey
• Liaise with Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers staff to report any incidents. 

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Young Carers Activity Worker/Service Manager

LOCATION: Mayfield Community Centre, 167-1 Totland Close, Farnborough GU14 8TX / Other Various Locations

What skills do I need?

QUALITIES REQUIRED:

• Reliability
• Able to work as part of a team
• Trustworthiness
• Patience and calmness
• An understanding of the needs of passengers of differing ages, abilities and backgrounds
• An understanding of confidentiality and sensitivity to the needs and wishes of young carers and their families
• Good communication skills with a variety of people.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

•  Enhanced DBS check (applied and paid for by HVA) and two references required
• Drivers must be 25+ years
• Drivers must provide transport in their own car
• Driver’s car must conform to all legalities and be roadworthy
• Booster seats will be provided for children under 12 years or less than 135cm tall
• Drivers must have up to date motor insurance for the vehicle. The minimum insurance required is Third Party that includes all passenger liability. Drivers must inform their insurance company that the vehicle will be used for voluntary purposes prior to commencing volunteering
• Drivers must have a valid driving license and notify the project of any penalty points
• Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle while transport is being provided
• Any incidents or accidents affecting passenger or volunteer safety whilst on duty must be reported to Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers staff
• Free parking available at venues
• Mileage expenses (and parking charges if travelling to other venues) are reimbursed at 45p per mile.