Companion Cycling relies on a pool of willing and dedicated volunteers and we are constantly looking for more help. You may be interested in joining us and there are a number of ways in which you may be able to help us:
Help at regular sessions:
Companion Cycling operates throughout the year, with regular sessions both at weekends and on weekdays where volunteers are on hand to assist our riders.
Weekend sessions are currently held on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10.00 to 13.00 in the summer (April to September) and 10.00 to 12.00 in the winter.
We also operate every weekday (except Thursday), nominally from 10:00 to 13:00, but weekday times may vary according to what rides have been booked. As a volunteer at one of these sessions you may be expected to:
- Undertake basic checks to ensure that the cycles are roadworthy and report issues for repair
- Assist riders in selecting the right cycle for them and help to adjust the cycle to suit them
- Collect and receipt payments for rides and record future bookings on the computer.
- Deal with any problems which riders may have either with the cycles or whilst riding in the park
- Occasionally accompany riders in the park
- Look after the cycles and their security
We also organise group rides when a residential home or a daycare scheme will bring a group of riders to use the bikes. These are often on weekdays, and volunteers are needed to help supervise these sessions and to ride along with the group in the Park.
Help with inductions:
All new riders are given an induction to familiarise them with the cycle which they will use and to show them the routes through the park. We have a standard induction procedure which is operated by our more experienced volunteers.
Help with events and fundraising:
We may from time to time attend organised events in order to promote the scheme and its objectives. If you believe that organising events or helping with a stand is your forte, then please let us know! And like so many voluntary schemes we may need help with fundraising from time to time.
Help with administration:
There are a number of administrative tasks associated with running the scheme – membership, bookings, accounts, volunteer organising, cycle maintenance, publicity etc. – plus regular management committee meetings and the production of an occasional newsletter. If you feel that you may be able to help us with any of these administrative tasks, then we would love to hear from you, whether or not you feel able to help with any of the other volunteer tasks.
Becoming a Volunteer:
Before choosing to volunteer for Companion Cycling we would recommend that you come and visit us during one of our regular sessions on a Saturday or Sunday morning. If you are interested in volunteering for Companion Cycling and would like to arrange to come and find out more about us then please click here to send us an email.
After you start volunteering:
We offer various means of support to our volunteers including induction, regular First Aid training, social events, and ongoing support and guidance by session leaders.
