Few questions about volunteering

Ben Vallack · #1 12-09-2011

Hiya,

I'm very interested in joining my local group (Wessex) but have a few questions about how it all works.

What is the situation regarding being 'on call' and availability etc? I work from home so could potentially be quite flexible but would be interested to know what kind of availability, notice etc would be needed. Is availability scheduled weekly or generally on an ongoing basis? How much notice is needed if I'm planning on being unavailable etc.

Also - would I get any contribution for fuel used on callouts?

Thanks!

Dave S · #2 12-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by benvallack

Hiya,

I'm very interested in joining my local group (Wessex) but have a few questions about how it all works.

What is the situation regarding being 'on call' and availability etc? I work from home so could potentially be quite flexible but would be interested to know what kind of availability, notice etc would be needed. Is availability scheduled weekly or generally on an ongoing basis? How much notice is needed if I'm planning on being unavailable etc.

Hi Ben,

Quite simple really, although the mechanism behind it is far from that. You get a text asking if you are available to do a job. If you can help you reply, if you can not you stay silent and another driver will be saught. If a situation is predicable (Snow coming in tonight forcast, for example) then you will more than likely get a "heads up" text, asking if you are available. This gives the controllers something to build plans on. Obviously if we to help with a sudden event then no warning will be given, but whether you are available is your choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by benvallack

Also - would I get any contribution for fuel used on callouts?

Thanks!

Oh yes indeed. Most of the organisations we assist pay for our services and you will get fuel costs. That is the only payment you will receive and its based on the mileage you cover on that run. There are some runs which we do for other charities which you may get fuel costs covered, but some times not. We also do publicity events which we do not get costs covered but as we are a charity its all in the spirit of being a volunteer.

There's also the advantage you being with a group of like minded guys and girls, having some fun and helping to "make a difference".

Come on then Ben, Sign yourself up. You're more than welcome and you know you want to!!

Dave S · #3 12-09-2011

I should had added that, of course, you will get training on how everything works and there is some equipment that you will be supplied.

Ben Vallack · #4 12-09-2011

Thanks Dave, that all sounds great! By the way, what's the situation with CB radios? I noticed on the capabilities page that responders are recommended to have one. I don't currently but would certainly be willing to get setup with one if it would make me more useful to the group. Is it something most members have?

Bob Hatcher · #5 12-09-2011

Ben drop me a PM with your number and I'll call you.

Dave S · #6 12-09-2011

Bob's the man to talk to Ben. There isn't much he doesn't know about this game.

CB. Most of us have it, as do I. To be fair it spends most of its time doing nothing. But when its needed its worth a million. If you're willing to invest then we've got deals with one or two suppliers. The Wessex website lists one of them, which I used and they were spot on. Whatever kit you use, its got to be legal. We hellp the law, so we can not be seen to break it. Therefore, no kilowatt burners etc. If you're really interested then a number of us are becoming licensed to use Ham radio.....

Bob Hatcher · #7 12-09-2011

Hi all, I've had a chat with Ben, he's likely to be joining.

Ben Vallack · #8 13-09-2011

Thanks all - just to say I've now filled in the application form.

Dave S · #9 13-09-2011

Excellent!! We've got a pub meet at the Bell in Lacock this friday at 8pm. If you want to come along to meet a few of us and have a chat....... Mind you, there's a risk you might end up buying a round....

Ben Vallack · #10 13-09-2011

Great, will see if I can make it! Bob mentioned the amateur radio stuff, sounds good. Presumably though a CB is still going to be the best bet until most people all have ham radios? i.e does it make the most sense for me to get a CB radio first and then think about ham radio a bit later on as finances allow etc?