Dartmouth Caring’s volunteer drivers have recording approximately 4,000 medical journeys in the last two years.

Nick Hindmarsh, the charity’s Manager said: “This is an exceptional commitment from the local community and in a recent meeting with the volunteer drivers, myself and Katherine Allen, Transport and Events Co-ordinator, expressed fulsome praise to all present.

“The main purpose of the meeting however was to gather feedback from the drivers regarding the efficiency of the system and any concerns which they wished to express.

“As a result of the information gathering exercise, we went back to the drawing board and updated the ‘Driver’s Handbook’, an essential document for anyone undertaking the position of a volunteer driver.

“The handbook very clearly spells out the exact role that any driver can expect to fulfil and the legal framework under which they will operate. Such details as the necessity to have a pleasant and approachable manner and a considerate attitude towards the mobility needs of clients are evident within the document as are the processes to follow should a client fall ill or an accident occur.

“Every effort has been made to ensure that all drivers have the necessary, detailed information to fulfil their voluntary role with confidence, the knowledge that due legal processes have been followed and that they have the charity’s support.

“The charity is very anxious to ensure that volunteers are not out of pocket as a consequence of their generosity and has therefore set out its procedures to claim expenses in a straightforward and easily understood manner within the Handbook.”

In a letter to volunteers, following the initial meeting, Nick Hindmarsh made clear his intention to meet with the drivers, at least on an annual basis, so as to continue the process of feedback and the refinement. He continued: “It is already an excellent service; the aim of which is to ensure at all times the provision of efficient and professional assistance to those most at need in the community.”