Radstock based charity, SWAN, has been celebrating the dedication and kindness of its volunteers through a series of special recognition events, including a summer garden party, volunteer appreciation certificates anda well-deserved break through the Room to Reward initiative.
Volunteers are at the very heart of SWAN, who provide vital community transport services, host Cuppa & Chat groups to beat isolation, and who manage the Radstock Food Club, supporting families and individuals across BANES.Every week, its volunteer drivers give their time to help people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about, supporting them to attend medical appointments, visit loved ones, access community activities and maintain their independence. For many passengers,their volunteer driver provides much more than a journey; they offer a friendly face, a reassuring conversation and a valuable connection to the outside world.
In September, SWAN joined forces with Bath Carers’ Centre to host a special summer garden party, bringing volunteers together for an afternoon of appreciation, friendship and fun. The volunteers enjoyed a cream tea, gardengames and pebble decorating, providing a lovely opportunity for volunteers from both organisations to relax, catch up and celebrate the difference they make. The celebration was made even more special thanks to the generosity of local businesses. Ivy HouseDairy kindly donated clotted cream, Radstock Co-operative Society provided strawberry jam, and local bakery Muffins supplied freshly baked scones at a charitable discount.
The event highlighted the longstanding partnership between SWAN and The Carers’ Centre, as SWAN’s volunteer drivers help unpaid carers access the Centre’s vital support services, wellbeing groups and opportunities forrespite. Over the past 12 months alone, SWAN volunteers have completed 215 journeys for Bath Carers’ Centre, supporting 33 individuals to access these important services.
As part of their ongoing commitment to recognise the extraordinary contributions of the volunteers, SWAN has also been celebrating volunteers through Room to Reward, a national charity that works with hotels to providecomplimentary breaks to inspirational volunteers. The initiative offers a meaningful way to thank individuals who consistently go above and beyond in supporting their communities, giving them the opportunity to enjoy some well-earned time away. SWAN nominatedDavid and Pauline Judd, who regularly dedicate their own time and energy to helping others, not just with SWAN, but in the wider Radstock community, too.
The charity has also presented all of their volunteers with certificates of appreciation, recognising the time, compassion and commitment they give to the charity and the people it supports. These are a small but heartfeltgesture of thanks, acknowledging not only the journeys volunteers undertake but also the countless acts of kindness that often go unseen. For those unable to attend the summer celebration, SWAN has been ensuring they are not forgotten, sending personal messagesof thanks alongside their certificates.
Sofia Perkins, SWAN Manager, said “Volunteers really are the heart of SWAN, from our drivers and Food Club team, to our trustees – without them, so many people in our community would struggle to get to the places theyneed to go, see the people they love or simply enjoy the independence that many of us take for granted, and our team do so much more than take people from A to B; they build friendships, offer reassurance and bring a little bit of happiness into someone’sday. For some, a SWAN volunteer might be one of the only few people they see that week.” Sofia continues, “We know our volunteers don’t do this for recognition, but we think it’s incredibly important that they know just how much they are appreciated.Whether it’s a certificate, an afternoon together or a special treat through Room to Reward, these are our ways of saying a very big thank you.”
Could You Make a Difference? Ask about SWAN’s One Journey a Week Programme
As SWAN celebrates its existing volunteers, the charity is also encouraging more local people to consider joining its friendly team of volunteer drivers. With increasing demand for community transport, particularly inBath and Keynsham, new volunteers are urgently needed to help people remain independent and connected to their communities.
Volunteering can be flexible, with opportunities to help with regular weekly journeys or occasional trips to fit around other commitments. Even one journey a week could make a life-changing difference to someone who wouldotherwise be unable to get out.
SWAN welcomes enquiries from anyone who is kind, patient and enjoys meeting people.
To find out more about volunteering with SWAN, contact sofia@swan-transport.co.uk.
