Give a Little Time. Change a Life. Become a Volunteer Social Car Driver with DART

julie178914
Jan 14
2 min read

Every day across our rural communities, people miss vital appointments not because they don’t want to go, but because they simply can’t get there.

At Down Armagh Rural Transport (DART) Partnership, our Volunteer Social Car Drivers play a quiet but life-changing role. By using their own car and giving as little or as much time as they wish, volunteers help people in our communities attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, and essential services, journeys that many of us take for granted.

This is not about fixed shifts or long-term commitments.

It’s about helping when you can.

Why volunteer as a Social Car Driver?

As a volunteer, you:

Use your own vehicle
Choose how often you volunteer, weekly, monthly, or occasionally
Support people travelling to hospital, GP, treatment and health appointments
Receive mileage reimbursement
Get full training, join a team and receive ongoing support from DART

Most importantly, you give someone peace of mind, knowing they won’t face an important appointment alone or stranded.

“It’s been a lifeline for our family”

Maria, whose brother has been supported by DART for over 20 years, shared how much the service has meant to them:

“My brother has used DART services for over twenty years, and I honestly don’t know what we would have done without the volunteer drivers. It’s not just transport, it’s kindness, reliability and dignity. Knowing someone is turning up just for him has made such a difference to his confidence and independence.”

Stories like Maria’s remind us that behind every journey is a person, and behind every person is a volunteer who chose to help.

You don’t need special skills — just a caring attitude

Our volunteer drivers come from all walks of life. Some are retired, some work part-time, others volunteer around family or work commitments. What they have in common is a willingness to help and a friendly, patient approach.

DART provides: