This is a very rewarding role providing much-needed support for people who are accessing our service. The main element of the role is to deliver or collect wheelchairs to/from people’s homes supporting them to maintain their independence, or you could choose to support members of the public from varying locations around the hub area (e.g. often using partner supermarket car parks) to enable them to obtain a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment. You could also be driving between hub and spoke locations to transfer stock. This is the ideal role for someone who enjoys meeting people, can show compassion and empathy and who likes driving. It will involve driving a Red Cross or hire vehicle.
Delivering and collecting wheelchairs (or other mobility aids equipment) – including overdue equipment (you will be driving a transit Van style vehicle up to and including a long Wheel Based version). You might also be driving to pre-arranged locations to operate a ‘pop up’ spoke.
> Loading and Unloading wheelchairs ready for daily runs.
> Issuing and receiving wheelchairs (or other mobility aids equipment)
> Setting up and operating the mobile ‘pop up’ spoke.
> Demonstrating how to use and look after our wheelchairs
> Dealing with enquiries from people wanting to borrow a wheelchair (or other equipment)
> Using a computer-based stock control system
> Receiving payments / donations and issuing receipts
> Signposting to other Red Cross services/provider (including the Mobility Aids Retail website)
These are just some examples. You will work within a great team and be fully supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.
We are looking for someone who:
> Enjoys meeting people and has good interpersonal skills
> Has a full driving licence (ideally for 2 years and above the age of 21)
> Is fit and able to lift/move wheelchairs.
> Is IT-literate
> Is willing to attend induction and foundation training
> Will uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Red Cross policies including Equal Opportunities
> Will act in accordance with our values and behaviours framework
> Will treat people with respect and uphold their dignity
What we offer
> Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team
> A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones
> All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)
> Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training
> An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives
We value the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring to this role. The minimum age you can volunteer for the Red Cross is fifteen years old, however for this role and due to lone working and driving requirement you must be at least twenty-one years old. Other roles are available (see Mobility Aids Volunteer role descriptions).