10th June 2024

There are a number of key aspects that keep our village active and thriving, one being our team of resident volunteers. Courtesy of their generous contributions, SwanCare is able to offer additional resources and experiences. One notable example is our SwanMobile service, made possible thanks to our team of dedicated volunteer drivers. 

Jim Leavy moved to SwanCare Bentley Park in 2010 and within two years became part of our volunteer team by climbing aboard the village golf buggy, otherwise known as the SwanMobile! 

“I heard they were looking for drivers at the time, so I decided to put my hand up to help. I also thought it would be a great way to get amongst the community,” he shares. 

Before life at Bentley Park, Jim spent many years volunteering through his children’s local sporting clubs and groups. While he had plenty of experience helping out in those fields, the SwanMobile offered an exciting opportunity for Jim to volunteer in a whole new way. 

SwanMobile drivers enable our residents, visitors and staff to travel around the 15-hectre site safely and efficiently. Whether someone wants to visit a loved one in care, needs a lift to our Medical Centre, or is perhaps meeting up with a friend for coffee, our valuable volunteers are there to help. 

The training process equips drivers with knowledge on how to operate the buggy and correctly navigate the village. Jim recalls enjoying his ‘buddy shifts’, where interested volunteers team up with a licenced SwanMobile driver to learn the ropes firsthand. 

“After the buddy shifts you get more of an idea on what to expect, like who the regular riders are and the kind of adjustments or extra support they might need. 

You also learn just how big the village really is and where all the different clubs and groups meet. It’s useful for emergencies too, I’ve helped ambulances find their way around in the past.” 

Knowing the village like the back of their hand is just one of the perks that come from being a SwanMobile driver, with Jim adding that the friendly chit-chats are also a highlight of the role. 

“I enjoy getting to know people and the different activities they do, it’s a great way to socialise and get more involved in the village. I think if you’re not getting involved, you’re really missing out!” 

A big thank you to our SwanMobile drivers for generously sharing their skills to support our entire SwanCare community. If you are interested in becoming a driver, please advise Ronnie at reception.