A COMMUNITY transport service helping individuals access things such as social visits and medical appointments in Redditch and Bromsgrove has appealed for more volunteers.
BluWave Community Services was set up by Celia Arthur and Carole Walker seven years ago to make a positive impact on the lives of the elderly and disadvantaged in the local community.
Founder Celia told the Standard their mission is to overcome the isolation faced by people who cannot access regular means of transport and to enrich the lives of those using BluWave’s services.
As well as helping users access medical appointments, the service is designed to improve users’ participation in the wider community and increase their independence – in turn improving well being and quality of life.
Bluwave drivers are all volunteers, and the quality of volunteers is key to delivering a safe and person-centred service. The service’s 18-strong volunteer team are ‘dedicated, passionate, empathetic and want to help others’.
One volunteer drivers said: “Once I retired the days did get longer, without the strains of the workplace, no group of work mates to talk to, volunteer driving fills some of that void.
“It helps you put your own woes and troubles into perspective and it is also rewarding to the heart and soul and breaks even financially.”
BluWave has seen demand for its services increase year on year, more noticably this year due to the government’s efforts to reduce hospital waiting times meaning more local residents are being given appointments.
The community interest company needs volunteers who are happy to use their own cars to transport users. Volunteers’ expenses are covered including petrol and parking, when necessary.
The service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Users can register for the service between 10 am and 2pm and then contact the centre in advance to book a trip.
Volunteers can give up as much or as little time as they want, dedicating a whole day or multiple days or even helping with just one trip a day.
Call 01527 759 650 or email [email protected] if interested in volunteering.
