Keith lives in the village of Willersey and is a volunteer driver for Cotswold Friends’ Community Transport service, which is used by around 1,000 vulnerable and older people to make approximately 13,000 journeys every year.

Keith is retired but still does some part-time work, and volunteers anywhere between two and six days a week as a driver for the charity.

Keith says: “Once you retire and the pressures around you drop, you look for something you want to do, not need to.

“Being a volunteer driver gives me an opportunity to not only benefit my community but also myself.

“Social interaction with people, who often don’t socialise much, brings pleasure to both parties. I’m sure the drivers get as much out of it as the passengers.

“What better way to bring a bit of sunshine into both their and my life.

“What I’ve learned from being a volunteer is that it’s good to talk, that all it really costs you is your time and what better way to spend some of it.

“It allows you to feel more of a part of your community. The social interaction is good for your mental health as is the physical activity associated with being a driver.

“When retirement hits and you sit - not for long - watching daytime TV thinking “is that it then?”. You often feel quite lost, with no purpose.

“Fortunately, I had a sensible prod from my good lady who asked me what I liked to do. Driving and socialising was my response, so she passed me the ad in the parish news that said, “Cotswold Friends want drivers in Willersey”.

“I’ve found the charity to be a friendly, well-organised team and the benefit they bring to the community, my community, is immeasurable.

“I’m very pleased to be both part of their team and closer to the village in which I live.”

Watch a film where Keith explains more about his volunteer role with Cotswold Friends here.

Cotswold Friends sends a large ‘thank you’ to Keith and all the volunteers who help them combat loneliness and isolation through their voluntary services

Cotswold Friends has volunteer roles, including volunteer driver roles, available now to support people who may be isolated in the North Cotswolds and Cirencester.

If you think you could help, contact George Halling, Volunteer Manager, on 01608 697007 email [email protected].

For more information, contact Louise Lapworth, Marketing Manager, email [email protected].