Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2025: The Heart of Herts Ability
Today, on International Volunteer Day 2025, we’re celebrating the extraordinary people who give their time, their compassion, and their expertise to help Herts Ability support thousands across Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties!
Every day, volunteers and trustees empower individuals to stay mobile, independent, and connected. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on their stories, their motivations, and the difference they make - because at the heart of Herts Ability, there is you!
What Volunteering Means: In the Words of Our Volunteers
Roger Edgson - Volunteer Driver & Advocate
Roger’s journey with Herts Ability began shortly after retirement. He already knew of the charity’s work helping people in the local community maintain their mobility - but he wanted to do more than admire from afar.
“I was aware of the good things that Herts Ability is able to do for the local community in helping to maintain mobility and following my retirement I was motivated to use my time in as worthwhile a way as possible.
I have been volunteering for Herts Ability for a few years now and will be happy to continue doing what I can to help get as many people as possible to know about the charity, so that in their time of need they will know where they can get expert help.
I would recommend anyone with a bit of time available to seek out a charity that they can help. Most charities need all the help they can get, and giving some time can not only benefit the charity but also give the volunteer real satisfaction in knowing that - even in a small way - they are helping a worthy cause.”
Roger’s reflections remind us that volunteering isn’t only about giving - it’s about becoming part of something that matters.
Trustee Alka Chandrayan - A Journey of Purpose and Empowerment!
For Trustee Alka Chandrayan, volunteering has been a deeply personal, transformative experience:
“I would like to share my gratifying volunteering journey as a Herts Ability Trustee.
As part of the team, I have offered my services in helping Herts Ability empower the community by enabling people with disabilities to live more independent, confident and connected lives through Driving Assessments and Mobility Support.
Volunteering is the most extraordinary act of self-care. It has helped me live my purpose and make creative use of my skills. Investing my time in Herts Ability has built my confidence further and helped me grow personally, emotionally, and professionally.”
Her words reflect the heart of our mission: empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful contribution.
Trustee Vivien Arey - Helping People Smile!
Trustee Vivien Arey sums up the joy of volunteering in a simple but powerful way:
“Helping and guiding an organisation grow within the local community and seeing the smiles from people we help.”
At Herts Ability, every smile matters. Every journey matters. Every volunteer matters.
We’re Looking for More People Like You
If these stories inspire you - it might be time to join us.
We’re currently seeking:
🚗 Volunteer Drivers
Support clients by driving them safely to assessments, lessons and essential mobility services.
🔧 Vehicle Maintenance Assistants
Help keep our fleet running smoothly so we can continue supporting those who need us.
🧭 Trustees
If you have experience in Finance, HR, Healthcare, Legal, Risk, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, or lived experience with disability - your insight can help shape the future of our charity.
Why Volunteer with Herts Ability?
Volunteering with us means joining a warm, supportive community and knowing your contribution directly transforms lives.
We offer:
- A vehicle for volunteer drivers
- Full training and ongoing support
- A chance to make a meaningful impact
- Opportunities to develop your skills and confidence
- A role with purpose, connection, and community
Requirements for Volunteer Drivers:
- Full UK driving licence
- Confident, conscientious driving skills
- Willingness to travel various distances
- Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check
Become a Trustee: Help Guide Our Vision
Herts Ability supports people across Hertfordshire, London, Bedfordshire, Essex, and Cambridge, offering:
- Driving & passenger assessments
- Specialist driving lessons
- Mobility scooter & powered wheelchair assessments
- Child car seat consultations for disabled children
- Trusted, expert mobility advice
Our Trustees help us stay focused, effective and ambitious.
No prior board experience is required - just curiosity, compassion, and a desire to contribute.
We are especially seeking skills in:
- Human Resources
- Finance & Audit
- Healthcare professions
- Legal, Risk & Safeguarding
- Health & Safety
- NHS Partnerships / Commissioning
We also welcome:
- Digital, IT & Cybersecurity
- Data & Impact Evaluation
- Marketing & Communications
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- People with lived experience of disability
Time commitment: Quarterly meetings + occasional reading and events. Reasonable expenses are covered.
Let’s Celebrate #InternationalVolunteerDay Together
Today, we celebrate our volunteers - past, present and future.
Your compassion makes Hertfordshire more accessible.
Your time helps people stay independent.
Your dedication keeps our community moving.
If you feel inspired to take the first step, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 Call us: 01707 324 581
📧 Email: driving@hertsability.org.uk
Together, let’s build a more accessible, inclusive, and empowering future for all!
Happy International Volunteer Day 2025!
