Compassion in Action for our Lunch Club provision

Every other Tuesday at around 11.30, Gloria, the Lunch Club’s longest serving driver collects Margaret, Jim and Jean from their homes in Alsager.  The trio are going to the Lunch Club at the Civic.  At about 1pm, Gloria will take them back to their homes after they’ve enjoyed a sociable time and a two course lunch with their fellow diners.

‘I’ll keep doing this for as long as I can.’ Gloria said. ‘Jim is sight impaired and Margaret has to use a walking frame now.  They just couldn’t get to the Civic unaided and neither has any family living close by.  Half of those who attend the Lunch Club have transport now – a reflection of our aging population – I worry that if more volunteer drivers don’t come forward then many more of the elderly in our town will become isolated.’ 

Jean, one of Gloria’s passengers was asked about the ACS transport arrangements.  ‘For me, the transport to and from the Lunch Club is part of the experience.’ said Jean.  ‘The drivers are always so caring and courteous.  We always have a nice chat on the way to the Civic.  It’s not at all like an impersonal taxi ride.  It’s like being picked up by a friend and I look forward to chatting with the volunteer driver as much as chatting with my fellow diners at the Lunch Club.’

Chris Ward, Volunteer Coordinator for Alsager Community Support said, ‘Ideally, we ask drivers like Gloria to drive for two Tuesdays or two Thursdays in each 4 week period.  That means giving a total of 2 x 2hrs of time.  Our volunteers tell us they get so much back from their involvement and the only time we have had a driver withdraw is when they have lost confidence as they themselves have aged.’

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