Volunteering

Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of the society and the community.
It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.

Armagh Rural Transport relies on the dedication of volunteer drivers using their own car for the social car scheme or driving the minibus.
Volunteer drivers will be reimbursed for the cost of the journey.

Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you. If you’re thinking about giving up your time we have volunteering opportunities to suit you!

How can I volunteer?

We offer many different volunteering opportunities:

  • Volunteer Mini Bus Drivers (driving one of ART’s fully accessible minibuses (D1 Licence required by test & Drivers CPC Card))
  • Volunteer Car Drivers (driving your own car)
  • Volunteer Passenger Assistants
  • Volunteer Management Committee Member
  • Administrative support in the office;

Click below to Read our “Driver Handbook”

Why become an ART volunteer?

Whether it’s a couple of hours a month, a few hours or couple days a week, the time you give really does matter.  Make your time matter!

As an ART volunteer, you will:

  • make a meaningful difference to people who are isolated due to having no access to a private car or public transport
  • receive any necessary training for your role and have access to ongoing development
  • have the opportunity to influence our work
  • meet like-minded volunteers and become part of the ART team

All volunteers will have an induction and, if needed, you will also get training relevant to your role. Staff members are always on hand to provide ongoing help and support during your time volunteering with us.

Volunteering and Benefits – Government Policy and useful information

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants can do as much volunteering as they like providing that they remain available for and are actively seeking work. This means that they will have to show that they are looking for work and applying for jobs where appropriate. If an individual is volunteering, they are entitled to 48 hours’ notice if they have to attend an interview and a week’s notice before starting work. These are concessions to the 24-hour notice normally allowed. Volunteer involvement should be flexible enough to accommodate volunteers having to attend Job Centre Plus for meetings and to sign on, and the possibility o interviews being arranged at short notice.

Income Support (IS): Income Support should not be affected by volunteering, as long as the claimant does not receive anything apart from reimbursement of out-of pocket expenses. There is no hour limit on volunteering.

Incapacity Benefit (IB): There used to be a ’16 hour rule’ which set a maximum time limit on the amount of volunteering that could be done by someone in receipt of this benefit. However, this was removed in 1998, so there is no longer a limit on the amount or type of volunteering that someone can do while claiming Incapacity Benefit.