DVC Volunteers transport those in need to essential appointments.

DVC puts people who need help in touch with those who can offer help. We arrange transport for elderly and disabled people to medical appointments, Oxford hospitals, shops and hairdressers. We are a group of 30 volunteers comprising drivers, office staff and an organiser. DVC arranges more than 3000 journeys each year. Our clients give a donation based on the number of miles travelled.

Why the community needs this charity

We arrange journeys for the people of Didcot and the seventeen surrounding villages. Some villages have no regular bus services. Many suburban areas of Didcot are at least 15 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop for an able-bodied person. Most of our clients have difficulty boarding a bus and are unable to walk far. Our drivers take clients to and from and often accompany the client throughout the appointment if needed. We have over 400 clients on our register who use and value our service.

Results and outcomes

DVC provides a low cost personal transport service for those who are unable to use public transport and find the cost of a taxi unaffordable. Our clients often express their gratitude to our drivers and office staff. Many friendships have developed between drivers and regular clients. Clients are especially grateful for transport to early morning appointments and we can arrange to return later after day surgery procedure to take them safely back home. Our volunteers find this work fulfilling.

Latest activities and projects

Deputy Organiser Needed

Didcot Volunteer Centre Is recruiting a Deputy Organiser: reliable, discreet, with admin and computer skills. A paid post - 4hrs a week including one morning (2hrs) staffing DVC office. For further details & application form: contact geoff.oldham@talktalk.net or call 01235 816602 or visit DVC stall at Didcot Volunteer Fair, 10-3pm on 10th March at Didcot Civic Centre. Closing date for applications: 23 March. read more

Office Modernisation Project

We require a desk top computer and lockable desk, and training for our office staff. We have a young volunteer working on a suitable program for us in his spare time. We have funding for a new telephone with headset and some funding towards the computer and required software. read more