Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is calling for more volunteer drivers to join our team and go the extra mile to help their patients reach vital appointments, as the Trust celebrates Volunteers’ Week 2025 (2 – 8 June).
Our Trust relies on a small but dedicated group of volunteer drivers who last year completed more than 2,500 journeys, covering a total of 47,500 miles – the equivalent of nearly twice around the world. These journeys ensure that patients who may be isolated, vulnerable, or without transport can still attend essential healthcare appointments.
Minaxi Patel, voluntary services manager for LPT said: “Our volunteer drivers offer a vital service for our community and mental health services and we’re so grateful for their support.
“But we still need more help. Just a few hours a week behind the wheel could make a huge difference to our patients.”
All that’s needed to get started is a good geographical knowledge of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, a full driving license with at least one year’s experience and enthusiasm to help our patients get to their destination.
Volunteer drivers at LPT do more than just drive. They offer reassurance, a friendly face, and practical support at what can be a daunting time for patients. Training is provided.
David Hodson is one of LPT’s volunteer drivers who began volunteering with the Trust in 2020 as a vaccination steward. He said: “As soon as the main vaccination period was over I thought what else can I do. I have always loved driving and have a good knowledge of Leicestershire and Rutland and asked if the Trust needed any drivers.
“I never thought that at my age I would find a group of people, from the volunteer staff, other drivers and all the medical staff and clinicians, who I can call my friends.
“After three years driving, I am still as enthusiastic as I was on day one and I feel I am contributing to help those less fortunate than me.”
The appeal comes during Volunteers’ Week, a national campaign celebrating the impact of volunteers across the UK. At LPT, volunteer drivers are just one part of a broader team of 240 volunteers across a range of varied roles, who together gave more than 38,000 hours of their time freely last year.
Volunteers at LPT can enjoy a range of benefits, including NHS staff discounts, health and wellbeing support and the opportunity to be recognised at our Celebrating Excellence Awards and Volunteer Long Service presentations.
To find out more and apply to become a volunteer driver please visit our website www.leicspart.nhs.uk/volunteerdriving or contact our volunteering team lpt.volunteering@nhs.net.