Our History

Our History: Over 50 Years of Caring for Headley

A legacy of kindness that began in the 1970s and continues to grow today.

How It All Began

The story of Headley Voluntary Care started around 1970. At that time, The Reverend David Bentley was the Rector of All Saints Church, Headley. It was his wife, Clarice Bentley, who envisioned a way to help local neighbours in need through the power of volunteering.

In those early days, the focus was simple but vital: providing transport to medical appointments. For the first two years, the entire operation was managed by a single dedicated coordinator, Jan Ellison, who matched drivers to patients and even organised our very first Coffee Mornings.

Growing with Our Community

From those humble beginnings, we have grown into a vital support network for our village. While the world has changed since 1970, our mission remains exactly the same: providing peace of mind and personal service to those who need it most.

Today, our dedicated team includes:

10 Coordinators who expertly manage our bookings.

45 Volunteer Drivers providing essential door-to-door transport.

5 Coffee Leaders and 20 Helpers who make our social events possible.

Our Impact in Numbers (2023)

To give you an idea of the scale of our work in community care, in 2023 alone:

We completed 819 essential trips.

Our drivers covered a total of 22,822 miles.

More Than Just a Lift

We believe that personal service means more than just a ride to the doctor. Our Coffee Mornings at the Church Centre have become a local tradition, celebrating everything from Christmas and Easter to 102nd birthdays. Whether it’s a chat over tea or enjoying live music from local bands, we are here to ensure no one feels alone in Headley.