Thames Community Centre
Thames Community Centre were awarded Outstanding Community Provider at the Driving Change Network 2023 Conference.
Centre manager Jeff Whitfield says “Our project helps create safe and legal drivers and enables those involved to participate in community, get jobs and gain independence. We help participants by paying test fees, lesson costs, learner driver courses and mentored practices and they give back by volunteering”.
There is a strong focus on the volunteer aspect of the project as it provides a chance for those receiving support to participate in a meaningful way. The centre utilises those volunteers within its own operation and places volunteers with other community organisations.
They fundraise to pay for -
required identification and birth certificates.
Learner’s courses
Test fees - Learners / Restricted and Full
Lessons
Mentored practice
Defensive driving courses
Staff strive to remove barriers to participation and to realise success. Participants come from many parts of the diverse Thames community. Those looking to drive legally and safely, to get their driver’s license for work, those in employment but wanting to advance their careers, those wanting to give back to the community as volunteers. A significant percentage of the driver volunteers would be under 25 but we also work with drivers of all ages if they are willing to give back.
Jeff states “In 2021 we noted a significant number of learner drivers were unable to advance to restricted license because they didn't have a car or person to practice with. The centre has negotiated the donation of a car from Valley Toyota, and we've recruited some wonderful volunteer mentors. The student drivers looking to pass their restricted completes a 12-week practice programme that sees them receiving 3 professional lessons along with 2 hours practice with mentors each week.
The amount of volunteer time they serve, is related to the level of assistance the participant received and ranges from giving back between 15 – 40 hours of volunteer time to some of our local community organisations. A few of the drivers stay on and volunteer long term.