Friday 6 June 2025
Former policeman, Andy, has been volunteering with us for about 8 months. He’s one of our volunteer drivers based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire. He enjoys meeting people and helping the people we care for get to their appointments. We caught up with him to find out more:
“I retired from Cleveland Police in 2018, my wife still works full time so that leaves me with a fair amount of time on my hands.
“I’m not the type of person who can sit around relaxing or not doing anything – I like to try and occupy my time. I have a couple of part time jobs which I work according to my availability. If I want some time off for holidays or time to do something then I have that flexibility, volunteering provides the same flexibility.”
Giving back to the NHS
“I volunteered for the NHS throughout Covid so when I saw that Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) were asking for volunteer drivers, I thought it would enable me to continue volunteering for the NHS, putting something back into an extremely valuable service.
“Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and provides a certain amount of satisfaction in that you know when a task has been completed you have been able to help somebody.
“I enjoy being able to meet people who use the driver service, and it takes me to places that I might not ordinarily go to.”
Fuelled with kindness
“If a person has some free time and is wanting ‘to put something back’, then I would highly recommend volunteering for the NHS. The staff that I’ve had the pleasure to deal with have always been very friendly and helpful.
“The people who we help as volunteers are always grateful as they know that volunteers provide a service that enable them to have the treatment that they need.
Without this service patients may not be able to attend appointments for treatment.
“It doesn’t cost anything to volunteer, go for it! Whether it is for the odd hour or so it’s all valuable and very much appreciated.”
We’re currently recruiting for volunteer drivers across County Durham. Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.
Find out more about volunteering with us.
