There are many voluntary services operating in Edenbridge and the nearby villages. One of these is the Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service (EVTS), providing transport for those, who for reasons of infirmity, vulnerability or who are unable to access transportation, cannot travel to medical or social service appointments without help.
EVTS was formed in 1975 as a charitable trust, where volunteer drivers, using their own cars, provide a door-to-door personalised service.
All our services are operated strictly in line with Government COVID guidelines.
Volunteers are not paid, but EVTS pay the drivers a mileage allowance for miles travelled.
Some of our funding comes from donations from local authorities and charitable funds but are subject to annual review. The donations we receive from our passengers are the mainstay that keeps the charity going and these donations ensure we can continue this lifeline for the local community.
The service could not work without its dedicated pool of drivers and office workers.
Our passengers are very grateful and say the service is a lifeline. – “I don’t know what I would do without this service.” is a comment frequently made to the drivers and office staff.
COVID and all its restrictions have taken a toll on our charity during the past 18 months. Our regular pool of drivers has shrunk from over 40 to less than 20 and one of our office volunteers has retired too. The need for our service has not shrunk though!
With the NHS slowly returning to its non-COVID workload, hospital appointments have started to increase.
Many of our volunteers are retired or work part-time and some parents with children fit volunteering around school runs and childcare.
• As an office volunteer you would be asked to commit to two mornings a month to answer the phone and take bookings between 10-12.30pm.
• As a driver you would benefit from the mileage allowance, at present 45p /mile. All drives are at the convenience of the driver with no obligation to commit to any specific number per year. It is great if drivers can do one or two drives a month, although many do more.
Requirements are simple, a clean driving licence, full comprehensive insurance and a DBS check to comply with safeguarding regulations. The DBS check is free and arranged by the Office Manager.
Could you join this vital service?
More information can be obtained from the Manager at manager@evts.org.uk or phone the office any weekday between 10am and 12.30pm on 01732 865 353. The office is positioned at the back of Edenbridge Hospital and accessed via the rear car park.