Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is seeking compassionate individuals with a few hours a week to spare to join their team of volunteer drivers. The volunteers will play a vital role in delivering meals to older people in Darlington.

The charity's ‘Meals at Home’ service needs delivery drivers who can commit a minimum of three hours per week to ensure the smooth operation of this invaluable service. The service runs 7 days a week, and the volunteers receive 40p per mile to cover petrol or diesel costs.

The Meals at Home service has the capacity to provide up to 100 meals per day, serving as a lifeline for older individuals living alone or in social settings such as day care centres. The two-course menu, which costs £7.50 per day, includes dishes like pork chops, mince and dumplings, and sticky toffee pudding.

Kevin Phillips, a long-standing volunteer driver, shared his experience, stating, “Many people who live alone can become isolated, and I think the service provides that connection that they may otherwise lack. I really enjoy being a volunteer driver and love meeting new customers.”

The existing nine-strong team of delivery volunteers tirelessly ensures that the wholesome meals reach those in need within the community. The delicious and sustaining food is prepared by three full-time cooks, with support from volunteer kitchen assistants. Orders for meals can be placed until 11:00 am on the day of delivery.

Helen Hunter, Chief Executive of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, emphasised the value of this service, stating: “Older people living alone, possibly widowed, who perhaps do not feel like cooking for themselves, place real value on this service. Beyond the delivery of nourishing meals, the dedicated team of volunteers offers a crucial social connection to combat isolation.

“We are looking for additional drivers to keep up with demand for the service in the town and nearby villages.”

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides crucial companionship, advice, and support to thousands of individuals aged 50+ each year through a range of social and wellbeing services, including a café and restaurant, a day centre, and IT training courses.

To volunteer and make a difference in your community, please call: 0300 30 20 100.

For media inquiries, please contact: Marie Carter-Robb marie@mccommunications.co.uk Phone: 07760 477694

NOTES TO EDITORS

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is a nationally registered charity and one of 150 locally based Age UK organisations providing a variety of services to older people aged 50 plus.

Whether it’s through recreational activities, expert information and advice, befriending services or just being somewhere to turn when things get too tough to cope with on your own, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides crucial companionship, advice and support to thousands of people every year.

Community focused, Age UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in the community through befriending, outreach and social activities as well as providing an invaluable range of social and wellbeing services, including:

• A cafe and restaurant.
• A day centres.
• Exercise & physical activity
• Meals at home
• IT Training courses
• Social activities