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Cuppa Club Driver

Organisation:

Central Otago Friendship Network

Category:

Driving

Hours:

Working Hours

Locations:

Alexandra

The Central Otago Friendship Network (COFN) recognises the importance of providing quality services that enrich people’s lives through friendships, which are in line with their chosen dreams and goals. COFN supports individuals to find their own social communities or friendship circle, and expand their contribution to communities of their choice. COFN is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to allowing dignity of risk when trying new activities and making friends.

Their Cuppa Club provides a regular opportunity for people to experience social connection and build friendships in their community. Cuppa Club is a relaxed social group which meets weekly on a Thursday from 2 - 3pm at a local cafe in Alexandra or Clyde to enjoy a cuppa and a chat. The group is open to all ages but most of our members are aged over 65. Most Cuppa Club members can no longer drive and do not have their own transport so a team of volunteer drivers provide transport to and from the event.

As a driver, you would:

  • Pick up 1 - 2 group members from their homes in Alexandra or Clyde and drive them to/from the Cuppa Club cafe location.
  • Volunteer drivers are more than welcome to join the group at 2pm for a cuppa or just come back at 3pm take the group member/s home again.

As a volunteer you will find this role fulfilling because:

  • Share conversations with people during the drive. For many members, this social outing is a highlight of their week!
  • Enrich the daily life of an individual by allowing them to get out of the house and experience community and companionship.
  • Expand your own interpersonal skills as you receive full training and ongoing support provided by the COFN coordinator.
  • Meet people from varied backgrounds that you may not normally encounter!

Requirements

Cuppa Club drivers are people who:

  • Have a clean license, a car that is roadworthy and registered
  • Have a friendly approachable manner
  • Are comfortable initiating conversation
  • Able to assist someone into a vehicle and lift a light mobility aid such as walker or wheelchair
  • Have reasonable fitness- training will be provided, and you will be matched to members that are appropriate
  • Drive a low car (group members with limited mobility cannot climb up into high vehicles such as SUVs)
  • Is willing to undergo a police check and reference checks

You may also have previous experience with (not required, but preferable)

  • connecting with people who are isolated
  • supporting people experiencing disability
  • older people/in aged care
    This is helpful but not essential as long as you have a willingness to learn.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

  • Drivers are rostered on for one or two Thursdays a month.
  • Monthly from 1:45pm - 3:15pm on a Thursday afternoon (drivers can opt for 1 or 2 time slots each month depending on their availability)

The COFN coordinator will ask which dates you are available for the coming roster so there is flexibility to choose which Thursdays suit you best.

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2594


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