Volunteer Driver Development Project: Resources
The Driving Force
The Driving Force was made to spread the dual message of the availability of community transport to those isolated by lack of transport, and the need for volunteers to convey them.
The result is a widely acclaimed and highly regarded film, in use in many UK counties, which highlights three very different users of community transport: three-year-old Sam, wheelchair user Annie and 80-year-old Nancy. It shows the need for community transport and volunteer drivers and the pleasure the drivers get from their involvement. It encourages potential users to use the service, thus reducing isolation; and it shows some of the benefits to the community and local economy of community transport.
In October 2005, Mike travelled to London to receive a national film award for The Driving Force. The film took first place in the professional category of the Volunteer Britain Awards.
The Driving Force has been shown in local cinemas throughout Herefordshire and Shropshire during Autumn 2005 and Spring 2006.
The film has also been used at events in Herefordshire and found to be extremely effective at generating interest amongst potential volunteers.
It was jointly funded by Herefordshire Voluntary Action's Volunteer Driver Project, The Innovative Actions Fund (Shropshire & Herefordshire), Herefordshire RTP, Worcestershire RTP and Shropshire RTP showing a great display of cross-border collaboration.
The film is available from Herefordshire Voluntary Action, Berrows Centre, Bath Street, Hereford, HR1 2HE. Price £22 including p&p.
Drivers Handbook
The purpose of the handbook is to present clear guidelines and procedures to volunteer drivers within community transport schemes. It is good practice for all volunteers to have adequate information on their duties and responsibilities. This ensures that both the volunteer coordinator and the volunteers themselves will have a clear idea of the range of activities in which they may be involved.
The information contained in this handbook will also be a safeguard to volunteers, by giving guidelines on good practice and setting the boundaries of their responsibilities.
The handbook reflects best practice advice available. It covers the vast majority of situations.
If you have any suggestions for improvement, then please contact us at info@herefordshireva.org
Click here to download the Driver's Handbook 
Leaflets
Our second leaflet (left) was project-designed and is effectively two leaflets in one.
Three panels inform of the availability of community transport to those who need it, the other three panels highlight the need for volunteers.
This has been a most productive leaflet as well as being extremely cost effective.
Banner Stands
These all weather stands are two metres tall and make an immediate impact on the viewer.
We produced the design and artwork, Matrix did the rest.
They were obtained from:
Matrix, Unit 46 Addison Road Workshops,
Addison Road,
Port Talbot, SA12 6HZ.
Trolley Keyrings
These were perceived as having value and were much appreciated by recipients. One lady telephoned seven months after receiving one and volunteered!
They were obtained from Rocket Products: dbonetti@rocketproducts.co.uk
Windscreen Stickers
This simple idea gave an identity to the scores of vehicles in the county which were previously invisible. They raised the profile of community transport which has a knock on effect in publicising the service and the need for volunteers.
Posters
Conceived and designed by us, the posters were visually strong and carried simple straightforward messages.
They worked!
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