Celebrating the Volunteers Driving Community Transport Forward

Advice / Support

, United Kingdom

This #VolunteersWeek (1st–7th June), we are celebrating the incredible people who give their time, energy, and compassion to support community transport services across the UK.

From volunteer drivers helping people attend vital health appointments to supporting day trips and tackling loneliness, volunteers are at the heart of community transport. Their dedication helps people stay connected, independent, and included within their communities.

Miles of Smiles: 20 Years of Volunteer Support

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Miles of Smiles, a volunteer car scheme that provides transport for people attending health and wellbeing appointments.

The scheme helps bridge gaps in local transport provision for people who do not have access to their own transport and are not eligible for hospital transport. By doing so, volunteers help ensure appointments are not missed simply because someone cannot get there.

Patricia Morris, administrator for Miles of Smiles, highlighted the enormous contribution volunteers have made to the service over the past two decades, supporting local people, helping reduce isolation, and improving access to healthcare.

An image of seven of the Miles of Smiles volunteers — The Miles of Smiles volunteer team

Wealden Wheels: Making Thousands of Journeys Possible

At Wealden Wheels, volunteer drivers supported more than 11,000 passenger journeys last year alone.

Graham Sivyer, General Manager at Wealden Wheels, says demand for services continues to grow:

"We just couldn't do what we do without our volunteer drivers, so a huge thank you to all who give their time so generously."

The journeys supported by volunteers range from school children travelling to swimming lessons to helping older people stay socially connected. Graham shared the story of a 107-year-old passenger who was able to join her family for an afternoon cream tea outing thanks to volunteer transport support.

Among the newest volunteers are Cliff and Karen, a husband-and-wife duo who joined after chatting with one of the organisation's drivers at a local community café. Cliff shared how they got involved:

"I am semi-retired and have been working locally as a handyman for the past five years, and Karen was due to retire the following month. We realised that with more free time available, it was something we would also like to get involved with, and so we decided to volunteer."

Their experience reflects the welcoming and flexible nature of volunteering in community transport, and the positive difference it can make for volunteers as well as passengers.

"There is no pressure, and you can offer hours to suit you," says Cliff. "Meeting the clients has been really heartwarming and we are both really enjoying it."

An image of Karen and Cliff Clark standing outside in their volunteer uniform — Cliff and Karen Clark in their Wealden Wheels volunteer polo shirts

Westway CT: Celebrating Extraordinary Commitment

Westway CT is celebrating volunteer Tim Sai Louie, whose contribution represents the very spirit of community transport.

Tim began as a volunteer driver for the Community Car Scheme and now also supports minibus services, drives for the Excursions Programme, contributes ideas, and represents volunteers at committee level.

Between April 2025 and March 2026 alone, Tim donated an incredible 640 hours of driving time to Westway CT's services.

"I find volunteering as a driver incredibly rewarding," says Tim. "I especially enjoy supporting day trips in the minibus, knowing that for some clients this may be their only opportunity to get out, connect with others, and enjoy a change of scenery."

An image of Tim Sai Louie in a hi-vis vest standing outside a white community transport vehicle — Tim Sai Louie

Anna, Development Manager at Westway CT, shared that "volunteers are the bridge between organisations and the people they serve, and Tim plays this role with incredible dedication and consistency. Celebrating Tim is about recognising his individual contribution and highlighting the vital role volunteers play in supporting services like community transport."

Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance

At Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance, volunteer driver Colin Stratton joined the service after retiring and says the experience has been deeply rewarding.

"Sometimes you're the only person apart from the people in the medical centre who they see that day," he explains. "They can tell you about what they've been doing that week and it gives them a release."

Colin is one of the service's longest-standing volunteers, having contributed over 14 years of his time and dedication.

An image of Colin Stratton pictured with his wife wearing formal clothes — Colin Stratton and his wife May, attending the Garden Party at Holyrood Palace in recognition of his volunteer work.

The fully volunteer-led service supports around 2,800 passenger journeys each year, helping many people who would otherwise struggle to leave their homes. From medical appointments to lunch clubs and social outings, volunteers provide much more than just transport.

Thank You to Every Volunteer

These stories are just a snapshot of the thousands of volunteers supporting community transport services across the UK every day.

Whether driving passengers to appointments, supporting social connections, or helping people access opportunities they might otherwise miss, volunteers are essential to keeping communities connected.