Buckland Newton

Neighbourhood

Car Scheme and

‘Community

Connections’

Buckland Newton Neighbourhood Car Scheme

I thought that I should just let everyone know that these two services (see below for ‘Community Connections’ information) are up and running again if you need support either getting to appointments, or matching up with someone who may be able to assist you doing those little things you struggle with. If anyone would like to join our band of volunteers there is no commitment to be available on set days, it is all run very informally. For more information give me a call on 07733 849264. Or email on bncarsheme@gmail.com Help Needed – can you spare an odd hour or 2? I am sure that many of you, may have been waiting a long time on hospital waiting lists for an appointment. Could you imagine, if when you have finally got an appointment, that you cannot attend, as you cannot get there! How frustrating and annoying would that be! Buckland Newton Community Car Scheme is seeing an increased demand for lifts to medical appointments, be it to the local surgeries to see the doctor or to various hospitals for treatment, or consultations. We have picked up several new clients recently and unfortunately in the last few weeks we have had to say that we cannot cover for lifts for them. Our lifts also include taking individuals to the chiropractor, live in carers to the railway station as well as supporting individuals to go shopping. Most of our lifts are in the week usually between 9am and 5pm, although we sometimes get the odd weekend request too for hospital appointments now. Once a request comes in, I email all of our volunteer drivers to see if anyone is available to cover it. You don’t need to be available at set times. The driving fits in round you. Drivers get paid a mileage allowance, get hospital parking permits, and have the satisfaction that they are supporting others in the village who need our help. Drivers need to inform their insurance company they are carrying out volunteer driving (usually no additional charge) and also get a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check from Dorchester Volunteer Bureau which is free. We know that our clients find the service invaluable to keep them independent and living in their own homes. Who knows in the future it maybe you, who will need a lift somewhere! For all of the lifts, we rely on our volunteer drivers who give their time freely. This is a fulfilling experience for the drivers too who can volunteer as much, or as little, as they wish. We are always open to welcoming new drivers as demand fluctuates and, sometimes, we cannot fulfil a request. Drivers vary in how many trips they volunteer for. A few drive frequently but some only occasionally, though their contribution is nonetheless very welcome. If anyone is interested in joining the scheme as either a volunteer driver or client, then please contact Sheila Crouch at bncarscheme@gmail.com or leave a message on 07733 849264 and I will get back to you. Sheila Crouch (Car Scheme Co-ordinator)