A FAMILY-run volunteer driving scheme, ‘Good Samaritan’ is hoping to help more elderly and disabled people in the area get to appointments.
Tony Hall, alongside his wife Trina and mum Jane, run ‘Good Samaritan’, a not-for-profit volunteer driver service that takes those in need to hospital appointments, shopping or visit to friends and family in nursing homes or in hospital.
The service has been running for over two years, with the family hoping to spread the message in order to help more people. Tony is the driver, with wife Trina and mum Jane working to answer phone calls and organise the schedule.
Tony said, “One of the reasons that Good Samaritan was set up was to help some people who, for whatever reason, cannot use normal transport, but are also in need of that extra bit of help. We promise to pick you up, get you to your destination, take care of you and get you home safe. Our passengers always come first and foremost and they are our number one priority. We carry a wheelchair at all times while out and also have items in the carry to help with getting in and out of the car. We also allow guide dogs as long as they are secure. We have a dog ramp if needed.
“There is no charge for our voluntary transport but if the passenger would like to give a donation towards fuel and parking, if they can to cover it, it would be gratefully received.
“We cover between 7am to 7pm but please ring if you need help outside these hours and we can try to assist you. We try to cover 365 days of the year.
“All we ask is for one-two days’ notice for a driving job, but if you have an emergency with less notice, ring anyway and we’ll do what we can to help. I am DBS enhanced checked every three years, which covers me to drive people including the elderly but not children. Good Samaritan cannot carry children, with or without parents, as we do not have the proper seating.”
They cover Warminster, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Bratton, Edington, Hawkeridge, Heywood, Trowbridge, North Bradley, Yarnbrook, Southwick and the surrounding villages.
For more information about how ‘Good Samaritan’ can help you, visit their website at www.goodsamaritandriver.com or call 01373 864147 or 07555 301652.
