HUNGERFORD VOLUNTEERS
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.
CHAIN’s main activities are:
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 Pub monthly Luncheon Clubs, discontinued due to Covid
Christmas Parcels Organizing, in conjunction with Hungerford Rotary Club, distribution of The Newbury Weekly News Christmas parcels for the over 80s
Other:- Liaison with Hungerford Day Centre and the Hungerford Surgery.
CHAIN MAIL – 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.