Role of the Helper
Here is the role of the Helper.
If you manage it properly then storage should be kept to a minimum: ideally just overnight.
Admin is important. As soon as a tandem is collected or returned by a Borrower then the Secretary needs to be told, so that we have a second record of what is where and so that we can update our website. We can then make sure that we get the photograph and comments from the Borrowers. It is best if they post it on Facebook, as then it flags up to their “Facebook friends” that they could borrow from us too, thus spreading the word.
Keeping in contact with the surrounding Helpers is important, as if you don’t have a suitable tandem in your fleet for a potential Borrower then you could suggest that they contact a neighbouring Helper and vice versa.
Ideally you'd need some bike maintenance skills and also somewhere to store tandems, but if you don't have these then we can arrange someone to help you with these.
Hire is for two months, but some people have them for much longer: there is no need to recall any from your fleet unless you have the next people waiting. Hire periods therefore vary.
Our Helpers need to be at least 18 years old.
Please contact us if you need any more info. We look forward to hearing from you. Let us know if you'd like to help, then Kate (our Chairman) will send you a couple of simple forms to fill in.
You can find out lots about our charity on our website (CharlottesTandems.co.uk) or on our Facebook Group. Have look at all the photos and lovely comments from our Borrowers.
To help you decide, Gábor, our Helper in Eastbourne, says,
“When I found out about Charlotte's Tandems, I was excited to try a new experience with my two autistic children, as they didn't know how to ride a bike. Having the opportunity to borrow a tandem gave us lots of happy memories. I therefore wanted to help other people to experience this with their children, as it brings so much joy in their life, giving them a chance to learn how to ride a bike.
Open a new chapter and become a Helper of Charlotte's Tandems too.”
- Receiving emails via the Secretary from people wanting to borrow a bike.
- Arranging them to collect the tandem from you,
- Test riding/teaching them to ride the tandem, making minor adjustments, so that they fit, doing the maintenance check with them,
- Helping them load it into their car,
- Chasing them up, a fortnight later, for photos and comments, if not sent already,
- Arranging for them to return the tandem, when you have the next people ready to collect,
- Receiving the tandem,
- Checking over the tandem and doing any minor repairs, if possible,
- Repeat.
If you manage it properly then storage should be kept to a minimum: ideally just overnight.
Admin is important. As soon as a tandem is collected or returned by a Borrower then the Secretary needs to be told, so that we have a second record of what is where and so that we can update our website. We can then make sure that we get the photograph and comments from the Borrowers. It is best if they post it on Facebook, as then it flags up to their “Facebook friends” that they could borrow from us too, thus spreading the word.
Keeping in contact with the surrounding Helpers is important, as if you don’t have a suitable tandem in your fleet for a potential Borrower then you could suggest that they contact a neighbouring Helper and vice versa.
Ideally you'd need some bike maintenance skills and also somewhere to store tandems, but if you don't have these then we can arrange someone to help you with these.
Hire is for two months, but some people have them for much longer: there is no need to recall any from your fleet unless you have the next people waiting. Hire periods therefore vary.
Our Helpers need to be at least 18 years old.
Please contact us if you need any more info. We look forward to hearing from you. Let us know if you'd like to help, then Kate (our Chairman) will send you a couple of simple forms to fill in.
You can find out lots about our charity on our website (CharlottesTandems.co.uk) or on our Facebook Group. Have look at all the photos and lovely comments from our Borrowers.
To help you decide, Gábor, our Helper in Eastbourne, says,
“When I found out about Charlotte's Tandems, I was excited to try a new experience with my two autistic children, as they didn't know how to ride a bike. Having the opportunity to borrow a tandem gave us lots of happy memories. I therefore wanted to help other people to experience this with their children, as it brings so much joy in their life, giving them a chance to learn how to ride a bike.
Open a new chapter and become a Helper of Charlotte's Tandems too.”
