WYRE FOREST Community Transport (WFCT) charity is appealing for volunteer drivers to cope with increasing demand, writes Isabel Matthews.
Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride, operating as WFCT, provides door-to-door essential travel for people unable to drive or access public transport, due to disability, frailty, poverty or because there is none available where they live.
The charity relies on volunteer drivers, who have the option to use their own vehicle or a designated mini-bus with wheelchair access, to take people to appointments or for social activities such as day centres, lunch clubs, visiting friends and relatives or a trip to the shops.
Pre-bookings are made by the passengers and they can also be taken on outings on a regular basis which are arranged to enhance the wellbeing of the most vulnerable, combating loneliness and isolation.
Volunteers receive induction training, are DBS checked, and can take additional training areas such as wheelchair clamping on the minibuses, ensuring passenger safety.
Regular passenger, Elsie Farley, aged 93, said: “I’ve been using the service for more than 16 years and I couldn’t go anywhere without it.
“They take me to Tesco on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it means I have my independence and can do my own shopping.
“The drivers are lovely, so kind and helpful.
“They help carry my shopping and we have a good laugh with them.”
Driver Alan Wakefield, who has been a volunteer for 10 years, said that he would ‘highly recommend’ the scheme to anyone thinking about joining the team.
“I like helping people, it gets me out of the house, and it’s nice to drive the minibuses.
“As a volunteer you get a lot of satisfaction.”
Drivers are able to have access to their own car and are reimbursed to cover their costs, currently at a rate of 45p-per-mile. A normal driving licence will give people access to drive the charity’s minibuses.
WFCT’s chief officer David Muggeridge, said: “With around 2400 journeys required every month, we need more drivers, men and women, who can give a few hours a week on a regular basis.
“We are very flexible and plan around their commitments, holidays and so forth.
“The roles ideal for people who work part-time or are retired.”
Contact Mr Muggerridge on 01562 755084 or visit: ctwyre.org.uk for more details on becoming a volunteer driver, or service user.
