Charity Spotlight is a weekly series dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of Jersey’s charities – from grassroots initiatives to island-wide movements, we’ll be sharing the stories of the people working tirelessly to support those in need and the importance of leadership in guiding that work.
Each week, Express hears from a charity leader on their biggest challenges and successes, what leadership and wellbeing truly mean in the third sector, and their hopes for the future.
Next up is DriveAbility – a charity dedicated to providing support to disabled and older islanders who are unable to access the usual procedures to learn to drive or return to driving due to their medical condition.
The charity’s mission is to ensure all islanders have access to driving, staying mobile and safe on the roads whilst maintaining an independent lifestyle regardless of their circumstances.
Express caught up with John Grady, who shared his reflections working for DriveAbility.
The biggest challenge facing our charity right now is…
Sustainability.
We have a small committee that works well in supporting the work of the charity, but a number are reaching their sell by date.
There is a great need to attract new and younger committee members.
The charity has a driving instructor, Fiona Herivel, who is committed to the charity and carries out assessments and instruction.
The charity has funded her training, and she keeps herself up to date with all facets of the specialised work she carries out.
Another instructor, who is also qualified in the field, assists on an occasional basis of need.
Without this professional input the work of the charity would cease.
The most rewarding part of our work is…
It has been life changing for nearly all of the clients.
Drivers enjoy the freedom and independence that being able to drive gives them.
Imagine what it would be like if that freedom and independence was suddenly taken from you. You were no longer able to get to work, take the kids to school, jump in your car and shop or visit friends.
Our clients have strokes, accidents and illnesses which can result in the loss of licence. They are totally dependent on others for transport. DriveAbility can give clients their independence back.
Some clients have been born with problems that deny the normal route for learning to drive. DriveAbility has changed that for a number of clients.
Clients with physical difficulties, neurodiversity issues and other problems have benefited from the help of DriveAbility in passing their test.
Melissa, who has Spina Bifida, said that DriveAbility is “life-changing”.
“DriveAbility opened doors for me that I had always dreamt of,” she said.
“It turned me into the independent woman that I’ve always wanted to be.”
Derek, who had a bilateral leg amputation, said: “I thought my driving days were over until I heard about DriveAbility Jersey.
“With their outstanding help and tuition, I have my freedom back. It’s completely changed my life.”
Ant suffers from communication and physical disabilities following a stroke and was helped to return to driving by DriveAbility.
“Freedom to roam, freedom to enjoy, freedom! ” he said.
Due to a birth defect, Adam was born with no forearms or hands and has a prosthetic on one leg.
He said: “Driveability has been so supportive in helping me gain the independence of driving.
“Driving has given me more than just a driving licence; it has opened up my world.”
Francoise, who had a stroke, said: “I can’t imagine how difficult things would have been if I didn’t drive. I have my independence back.
“When everything else is such a struggle, it is wonderful to jump in the car and escape; it is wonderful to have my freedom back. I can’t thank the team enough!”
The most inspiring success story I’ve witnessed through our work is…
Adam Dalton‘s story. He was born with extreme physical difficulties; his limbs did not grow properly. He has no hands, his arms end at the elbow, and he wears a prosthetic on one of his legs.
This has never deterred Adam in trying his hardest to be independent. His motto is ‘No Hands! No Limits’ and boy, does he live up to it.
He persuaded his mother, Juliette, that he wanted to try golf and despite Juliette’s doubts that it would be impossible for him to manage, she eventually gave way to his nagging and his golf career began.
He is now a much respected member of Jersey Royal Golf Club with a handicap of 20 which is sure to be lowered and plays successfully on the Disability Golf Circuit on the mainland. He amazes everyone in the sport that he meets.
Another of Adam’s ambitions was to learn to drive. He came to DriveAbility to be assessed and instructed.
There was a lot of research carried out as to the adaptations that were required but in the end he and Juliette found a make and model that suited him and required minimal adaptations.
Adam passed his test after a short period of instruction, Fiona, his instructor, stated “Adam is a natural”. Mum now has her own taxi driver!
The amazing story did not end there, Juliette with the help of a few friends and volunteers raised enough money to purchase Adam’s first car.
Our charity wouldn’t exist without…
The funding donations we receive and the work of a small team of volunteers.
DriveAbility Jersey operates on an average budget of roughly £15,000 per annum, but at various times there has been a need to seek significant amounts for certain items and issues.
The charity has received enormous support in the funding of an adapted vehicle, the training of our assessor/instructor, publicity hardware in the form of a gazebo and poster and other items.
The charity has also benefitted from donations and fundraising by a number friends and supporters.
It would be inappropriate to mention all by name but one organisation which has given continual and generous support is Bagot Road Garages who service the charity’s adapted vehicle at minimal cost and is always there for a fast and efficient response in the case of break down or repair.
Often the ‘knight in shining armour’ coming to our assistance.
In five years, I hope our charity will…
Still be in existence!
After a stroke which affected her left side, Pam Evans lost her driving licence. To get it back, she had to go through a long, stressful and costly process on the mainland.
She was determined that Jersey people with similar problems did not have to go through the same process. So she set up the charity, DriveAbility Jersey, in the hope it would make it easier for others. Pam is delighted to say that it certainly has!
One of the issues every small charity has to address is how do we keep it going. A long term plan is essential, but the pessimist in me is concerned!
The most important quality in a team is…
Commitment.
The majority of workers in a small charity like DriveAbility are volunteers. Whilst, volunteers have other commitments it is important that their responsibilities to the charity are maintained.
It is not easy to find volunteers who are punctual and reliable. Fortunately, DriveAbility has a great team of volunteers.
If I could change one thing about how charities/services are run, it would be…
How we respond to people with special needs and the lack of urgency.
There are too many meetings and action sometimes which seems to take forever.
The most unexpected thing about working in the charity sector is…
My own change in attitude.
As a professional working in the field of special needs I initially thought that the charity system should not really exist and it should be the States that provide the funding and services.
As I have become more involved with charity work, especially as a volunteer, I have realised two things – the charity system generates an enormous amount of community good feeling and promotes good mental health, and it brings provider and receiver closer together making for a more understanding and accepting society.
For those reasons, I feel the charity system in Jersey is quite remarkable.
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