Volunteer Minibus Escort

General Purpose of the Role

• To support the minibus Driver as an escort when collecting and taking home Thrive's clients from Basingstoke Railway Station. 

NB: this is not a driving role and is open to people who do not hold a driving licence

Some of the tasks you may be involved in are:

• Supervise clients boarding and disembarking the bus (no lifting required)
• Ensuring seat belts are worn by all passengers
• Ensuring baggage is secured before journeys commence
• Become familiar with routes to assist the driver
• General supervision of clients whilst travelling
• Assist the driver and passengers in the event of an emergency.

About Thrive

Thrive is the UK's leading charity using social and therapeutic horticulture (STH), which is the process of using plants and the garden to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. The garden can also be used as a safe and secure space to develop a person's ability to mix socially, make friends, and learn practical skills that will make them more independent.

A key aspect of Thrive's work is the development and delivery of training in social and therapeutic horticulture for professionals and specialists, from entry level to diploma, and the provision of information to enable people living with a disability or ill health to continue to enjoy gardening. We are also at the forefront of research into good practice, quality assurance and impact measurement.

Thrive offers a range of therapeutic gardening-based programmes, suitable for many different disabilities and age groups, from our centres in Beech Hill near Reading, Battersea Park in London and Kings Heath Park in Birmingham. Our Head Office is co-located with our Centre near Reading. And we have a track record of making a real difference to people's lives.

Directions to the Thrive National Office and the Trunkwell Garden Project in Beech Hill, near Reading:

The village of Beech Hill is close to the Berkshire/Hampshire border about 7miles south of Reading.

From the South:
After passing the Wellington monument on your left, at the next roundabout turn left and follow the signs to Beech Hill. At Beech Hill, turn right at the Old Elm Tree pub and you will see the signs to Thrive and Trunkwell Garden after about 100 yards on your left.

From the North:
Turn south onto the A33 at Junction 11 of the M4. At the first set of lights, turn left, taking the road through Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood. Just after the Murco Garage, turn right into Beech Hill Road. Follow this road until you read the village of Beech Hill. At Beech Hill you will see the signs to Thrive and Trunkwell Garden on your right.

What skills do I need?

• A helpful, sensitive and perceptive disposition.
• Flexible approach with an ability to work under own initiative and a part of a team.
• Awareness or experience of, working with people with disabilities.
• Ability to grasp and convey information clearly.
• A sense of humour 
• Willing to provide support as required.

There are other general responsibilities and expectations set out in the Volunteer Agreement which you will need to sign before starting work with us.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Time commitment: One or two shifts per day (this role is available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), 8.45am - 10.00am and / or 2.55 - 4.00pm. It is envisaged that this will be a shared role between a pool of volunteers.

Where does this role take place?