For twelve years Volunteer Action has been servicing the local community. This unique and selfless service allows many elderley and disadvantaged people to maintain their independence and their quality of life. Volunteer Action help a staggering 550 people with transport to and from essential outlets such as doctors, dentists, hospitals and shops. The volunteer drivers cover about 70,000 miles a year and provide a neccesary relief from the difficulty of public transport for the elderley and disadvantaged people. Residents of thirty-two villages surrounding Oundle benefit from the scheme. Without it they would be forced to spend a great deal of money on transport.

There is no shortage of staff at Volunteer Action with numerous office staff, drivers, as well as a dedicated board of eight Trustees led by Chairman Val Chesser and Manager Nancy Taylor.

Volunteer Action now needs more public funding in order to match the increased demand for the service. In the space of just three years the demand for the service has increased by 160 people, requiring 14 additional volunteer drivers. A new scheme has been launched alongside Volunteer Action called Friends of Volunteer Action. This involves many leaflets being distributed in North East Northamptonshire and enables everyone to contribute in different ways.

There was a launch for this scheme on the 16th April at Oundle School’s Sci-Tec to increase public awareness of the cause, and encourage donations. On the 7th June there will be a sponsored walk starting in Barnwell Country Park open to the public.

One grateful Volunteer Action client said, “I live alone and am disabled, but thanks to Volunteer Action, I can get to the shops and have met some lovely people who have become friends. Volunteer Action works in so many ways and I thank them all.”