Hungerford Volunteer Force (CHAIN)

CHAIN was established in 1977 and has grown into an effective group of volunteers that cares and gives a variety of help to those in need.

Membership is open to all Hungerford residents interested in furthering its objectives. All CHAIN volunteers are automatically recorded as members.

In 2003 CHAIN was awarded one of the first QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE AWARDS for voluntary service in the community.

The group's prime objective is to undertake voluntary work and related activities for the benefit of people who are sick or disabled or who are otherwise in need - be they young, middle aged or elderly - living in the town or rural district of Hungerford.

As an extension of their primary aim, CHAIN offers advice and guidance to people willing to undertake voluntary service and assists them with the provision of voluntary work by putting them in touch with individuals or with voluntary or statutory organisations seeking help.

A small committee elected at an annual meeting (open to all Hungerford residents) oversees the policy and day-to-day management.

The CHAIN office, situated in unit 9, 19 High St. Hungerford, RG 17 ONL (entrance in Church St.), is open Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 am. The telephone number is 01488-683 727. Emergency numbers are given on the office answer machine.

CHAIN's main activities are:

TRANSPORT

Car Journeys - Providing door-to-door transport to hospitals, clinics etc.

Handybus Service - Running various shopping trips, eg regular run to Hungerford Market.

Trips for groups, eg 'Swimming for Disabled' at the hydro-therapy pool, Swindon.

For wheelchair users - CHAIN owns and makes available to wheelchair users and their families a CHAIRMAN vehicle.

SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

Over 60s Luncheon Clubs - Organising two luncheon clubs a month; one in the Croft Ball and the other at local pubs.

Christmas Parcels - Organising, in conjunction with Hungerford Rotary Club, distribution of The Newbury Weekly News Christma parcels for the over 80s.

INDIVIDUAL HELP

Befrienders - CHAIN has a group of 'Befrienders' (good neighbours) willing to be of help to the lonely etc.

Special Needs - endeavours to identify those with special needs an to put them in touch with appropriate statutory or voluntary organisations.

OTHER

Liaison with Hungerford Day Centre and the Hungerford Surgery.

CHAINMAIL - publishes and distributes a quarterly magazine with events and services likely to be of interest to residents, free to all households and small business premises in Hungerford.

Supports the Hungerford Forum.

Produces a Town Contact list (Other voluntary organisations etc.)

VOLUNTEERING - provides information on volunteering opportunities.

Details of the activities of the Hungerford Volunteer Force can be found in their magazine, CHAIN MAIL which is published each quarter and has nearly 3,000 copies delivered free by volunteers throughout the Town and Manor. Click as well as being published on this website ( see Quick Links on the main menu)

See the latest issue of the magazine, CHAIN on this website here