Urgent call for volunteer drivers to address transport shortage

New research reveals scale of older adults missing medical appointments due to lack of transportation

Nearly half of non-drivers over 70 have missed healthcare appointments due to a lack of transportation
Research reveals older adults’ wellbeing is significantly impacted by not driving
Royal Voluntary Service seeks more volunteers to meet urgent transport needs

Royal Voluntary Service has issued an urgent appeal for volunteer drivers following data identifying that nearly half (46%) of non-drivers (*1) over 70 have missed healthcare appointments due to a lack of transportation. Of these individuals, 96% have missed more than one appointment (*2) and 68% have missed three or more (*3).

Missed healthcare appointments disrupt care, delay treatment for others, and cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds every year – GP no shows have been identified as costing NHS England £216m per year (*4). The NHS has identified inadequate transportation as a core reason for missed appointments.

"It’s heartbreaking that lack of transportation is preventing people from getting to the medical appointments they need to attend. Volunteer drivers are crucial in tackling this. They also enable people to engage in social activities, offering not just transportation, but also companionship and a vital connection to their community.”

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

Being unable to drive has far-reaching effects on older adults’ overall wellbeing. Non-drivers surveyed reported they miss independence (40%) and freedom (44%) since giving up driving, which are key contributors to happiness and wellbeing. Those surveyed also said not driving has led to them feeling trapped (24%), with fifth saying they feel isolated.

Like many other charities and organisations, Royal Voluntary Service is urgently recruiting more volunteers for its vital transport services, which support older people and those with health or mobility challenges across Britain. Through the charity’s services, volunteers take passengers to and from healthcare appointments, hospital visits, social groups and community activities.

Find out about volunteering

Volunteer drivers provide more than just transport, they afford independence and a lifeline to the person in their passenger seat. On journeys they also offer companionship, a listening ear, and a friendly chat, making each trip a social experience that passengers look forward to.

"We’re calling on people across Britain to get behind the wheel and join us as drivers. By offering even just a couple of hours of their time, volunteers can help people in their communities to maintain their independence and wellbeing."

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

"The people I drive often have health and mobility challenges and it would be a struggle for them to get to vital appointments, if they didn’t have people to drive them. The whole experience of going to hospital can be anxiety inducing enough, and if I can take some of that anxiety away for them, then that’s great.

"I live a very busy life and thankfully transport volunteering is very flexible so I can fit it into my plans. It helps give me balance in my life. It’s important for me to feel like I’m contributing to society, and not just doing things for me. I’d say everyone should give volunteering a go."

Val Mowat, a volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service’s Fife Transport Service

Royal Voluntary Service provides all necessary training, and travel expenses are reimbursed. This role offers flexible hours, allowing volunteers to choose how much time they would like to contribute.

Look for local opportunities

More volunteers are needed for Royal Voluntary Service in the following locations:

England

Batley
Broxbourne
Cornwall
Herefordshire
Leeds
Leicester
Shropshire
Stoke on Trent
West Sussex

Scotland

Dumfries & Galloway
East Lothian
Fife
North Ayrshire
Shetland

Wales

Carmarthenshire
Ceredigion
Flintshire
Pembrokeshire
Wrexham

Volunteer driving is just one of the rewarding roles available with Royal Voluntary Service. People looking to find out more and play their part in supporting their community can visit our volunteering section.

*1 - "I have never been a driver" and "I used to drive, but no longer drive" answers combined

*2 - "More than 10, please specify" answers combined

*3 - "More than 10, please specify" answers combined

*4 - https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/01/missed-gp-appointments-costing-nhs-millions/

The research was conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 1,000 UK respondents age 70+. The survey fieldwork took place between 21.08.2024 - 27.08.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

For further information

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the NHS and thousands of vulnerable people in the community.

The charity works in local communities running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. Our Virtual Village Hall provides online activities and classes to promote wellbeing and keep people active.

The charity also delivers the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme for NHS England enabled by the GoodSAM app.

To become a local volunteer search for volunteering opportunities in your area. Or help make a difference by making a secure online donation.

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