WHAT IS THE LINK?
The Management Committee (also all volunteers) provide oversight and governance on the activities in line with the Objects of the Charity. Transport and good neighbour tasks are carried out by volunteers who liaise on a day to day basis with the duty Co-ordinator. The Management Committee work with Community First’s Link project team to stay updated and to network with other schemes which operate throughout the county.
Financially The Four Villages Link scheme is healthy with considerable reserves.
While there is a constant need for new volunteers to join us, either in the capacity of volunteer drivers or able to undertake good neighbour tasks or to act as Co-ordinators, we now have an URGENT need to secure more individuals willing to volunteer as Committee Members. At our forthcoming AGM both the Chair and Secretary will stand down in line with our Constitution document and in the near future other Committee members may also “retire”. It is vital we recruit new Committee members to allow the valuable work our volunteers carry out in our community can continue as now.
The roles are not onerous nor overly time demanding. There is a regular “formal” quarterly meeting plus one AGM and for most Committee members a few “ad hoc” hours each month on Committee work.
Please consider if you are able to help our Community, either by becoming a Committee member or being co-opted for a time and if you are interested to find out more contact The Four Villages Link on 07852 256939 and we’ll put you in touch with a member of the Management Committee who will be happy to tell you more on what’s required.
Ian Lafferty
Chair Four Villages Link
The Four Villages LINK is a befriending and support scheme staffed by a team of local volunteers and led by a committee who oversee the general running of the service. We offer support in a practical and caring way to those who need some help. LINK supports and complements local health and social services but operates at a far more personal level. All our volunteers are DBS checked and carry identity badges.
How Does The Service Work?
If you need help you just need to call us! Our LINK co-ordinators are happy to receive enquiries from people personally, or on their behalf, from relatives, friends, doctors, nurses or social workers. Our co-ordinator will log your request and find a volunteer to help you.
Who Can Use The Service?
Anyone who requires assistance regardless of age or circumstances.
What Help Do We Offer?
- organising transport to and from medical appointments including hospitals in Bath & Salisbury
- carrying out small simple jobs around the house that do not require the services of a specialist tradesman
- befriending
- shopping
- occasional dog walking or gardening
- resolving basic computer issues
- we also have two wheelchairs that can be loaned out for an extended period of time
How Do You Get Help?
Just call us on 07852-256939 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday and one of our duty coordinators will log your request and find a volunteer to help you. All calls are charged at mobile rates. As responding to requests can be demanding it helps us to receive plenty of notice when being asked to organise assistance, ideally not less than 48 hours in advance. However, please note that any messages left on the telephone over the weekend or on a public holiday will be actioned and/or responded to on the next working day.
What Does It Cost?
The Four Villages LINK scheme is a registered charity and is self-financing. There is no charge for our services but we are always grateful for donations from those we are able to help. It is these donations that we look to in order to meet our annual running costs.
LINK volunteers claim an allowance for mileage and any out-of-pocket expenses. Any unclaimed portion of the allowance can be used to claim Gift Aid.
Want help? Just call us on 07852-256939
Becoming a LINK Volunteer
We are always keen to hear from local people who are willing to become LINK good neighbour volunteers. There is a range of ways in which you could become involved – as a volunteer driver, helping with befriending, serving on the committee or helping with fund raising.
Being a LINK volunteer can give you a new interest and make good use of your skills and experience. At the same time you will make a valuable and much appreciated contribution to our local community.
If you are interested in knowing more about volunteering for the LINK please telephone
07852-256939.
Registered Charity No: 1064923