Community Transport Christmas: Brent Community Transport

Share on:

Community transport works across the Christmas period, even on Christmas day, to provide those who would otherwise be alone with access to family, friendship, company and independence over the holidays. This December, we’re going to be sharing the stories of our members who go above and beyond at Christmas. 

Keep checking back on our main Community Transport Christmas page for all our stories so far.

The following is a letter from Janaki, a volunteer for Brent Community Transport

Hello, my name is Janaki, I am 16 years old, and last year, I volunteered with Brent Community Transport to help with the festive bus programme, where we took children, young people, older people and those with mobility limitations to central London to see the Christmas lights. I helped in cleaning and decorating the buses and during the journey, serving refreshments, snacks, and simply just talking and providing company. This was just an amazing experience, which I really enjoyed because this has helped me get out of my comfort zone as I was only used to communicating in a school and home environment. This role really opened up my thinking and understanding that there is so much more than only being surrounded by teachers, students, and family members. Furthermore this experience helped me to enhance my observational skills, listening skills, empathy, understanding, and patience.

I believe that it is very important for young people to take part in volunteering because it means that they are able to get out, open them up to challenges, a vast array of skills – hard and soft and broaden their knowledge. Volunteering will help young people to build a foundation towards personal development and their confidence as well as preparation towards an adult life. I believe that volunteering will contribute in aiding to transition a teen into an adult.

I believe that Brent Community Transport is offering an exceptional service to the community and this year, I will be volunteering again. Thank you to Brent Community Transport for giving me this outstanding opportunity to better myself as an individual both personally and vocationally.