Link schemes, which are looking for volunteer drivers, are voluntary groups which offer transport and ‘good neighbour’ services to local people who are in need, perhaps because they are elderly, disabled, isolated and lonely, single parents, or perhaps temporarily in need because of illness.
These essential services provide a safety net for those unable to access services in other ways. Link Schemes aim to complement other services, statutory and voluntary. They operate as small, independent charitable organisations and all volunteers use their own private vehicles (insurance and DBS checks are carried out and mileage expenses covered).
To demonstrate the level of support the schemes offer, last year they made 31,351 health related journeys and completed 48,027 ‘good neighbour’ tasks, for example collecting prescriptions and shopping.
Due to Covid 19, the schemes have now found themselves suffering from a large number of volunteers being unable to drive because of age and or vulnerability.
If you feel you might be able to help out, please contact Community First on 01380 722 241 or send an email to linkproject@ communityfirst.org.uk for more details.
