A SOUTHAMPTON charity whose kind-hearted volunteers assist its service users citywide including driving them to important activities says it’s backing calls for the Government to increase the HMRC Mileage Rate (March 2022).
Communicare, which is committed to eradicating loneliness and isolation, offers its service users transport to essential medical appointments, social activities and shopping trips thanks to its army of committed volunteers.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, says: “The price of petrol and diesel is going up and up, but, at the moment, we can only reimburse our volunteers 45p a mile when they use their vehicles to transport our service users, as the Mileage Allowance Payment is currently 45p.
“If we reimbursed more than that, it wouldn’t be tax free and could be seen as a payment, rather than reimbursement of expenses, and this would impact significantly on our volunteers and their ability to help us, and our service users.
“In response to the issue of ever-increasing fuel costs, the Good Neighbours Network, which we are part of, has set up a petition to Parliament asking for the HMRC mileage rate to be reviewed.
“We’re urging the general public, anyone who works in the charity sector, who volunteers or benefits from the services we, and other charities like us offer here and country-wide, to sign the petition, which can be found here Increase the HMRC Mileage Rate from 45p/mile to 60p/mile – Petitions (parliament.uk).”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton. Its services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting around 560 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
Now Covid rules have lifted, Communicare is once again assisting with trips to lunch clubs, social events and activities to help beat isolation and loneliness too.
“We’re joining many other charities locally and nationwide who are calling for the HMRC Mileage Rate to increase from 45p per mile to 60p per mile. At 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond to this petition. At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament and that’s what we need to happen.
“Volunteers are the life blood of charities and if we can’t reimburse them for the fuel they use when they use their own cars to deliver our services, then it will be a struggle for them. We care and are passionate about our Communiteers and all they do for us, so it’s very important we support this petition and spread the word, so more people hear about it and sign up.”
Communicare is currently able to support many of its service users but is always looking for more volunteer drivers to increase its outreach.
John Ansell, who is a Communicare Volunteer and Trustee, says: “Our service users are mainly elderly and have wellbeing issues. Many need help to get to GP appointments and hospital outpatient clinics, as they have no other way of getting there, and we have a waiting list of more people who need our help.
“We need more volunteer drivers to provide just a little bit of time each week. We are searching for people who are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm to coincide with medical appointment times.”
Communiteer drivers are offered simple and basic training on topics such as safeguarding and developing listening skills and can choose the level of commitment and involvement they wish to have.
Communicare is inviting people of all ages and walks of life, who have a current UK driving licence and their own car, to get in touch if they are able to help by calling 023 8250 0050 or emailing enquiry@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
John adds: “Some drivers volunteer regularly to help the same person, others are on a pre-arranged ‘on-call’ basis, depending on the individual’s availability. If you can spare some time, please do get in touch. It would mean such a lot to our service users.”
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses. To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 8250 0050.
