A vital voluntary service in South Holland is appealing for help.
The Voluntary Car Service which covers the district is in urgent need of drivers to take patients to and from medical appointments.
Last year the service conveyed more than 5,000 patients a total of 141,565 miles so they could attend their appointments.
Trips can be very local, to a GP practice or even a dentist.
There can be longer trips for patients needing to go further afield, Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge or the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Volunteers are paid travel expenses and can claim a subsistence allowance in certain circumstances.
“The role is very rewarding and you get to meet a vast array of different people. Drivers are needed throughout South Holland, so wherever you live there will be a role for you and generally you are carrying passengers from your locality,” said a spokesman.
He added it could suit volunteers who work a four-on, four-off shifts.
“It would also suit parents who have young children a school and you can volunteer during school hours,” the spokesman added.
The scheme has been operating in the area for more than 25 years and is a registered charity.
Chairman Greg Greene said prior to the pandemic there had been around 90 volunteer drivers. But now there is less than half that number.
“A lot of our drivers are elderly and we may well lose some more. We are very short of drivers and we can take 36 calls in one day. They might not all be booked for that week, but we are busy,” he said.
The charity is looking for additional drivers in all areas of South Holland.
“We aim to provide low cost, subsidised transport to people in need and without their own transport,” he said.
If anyone can help, contact Mr Greene on 01775 630144 or 07514 9711589.
