A SCHEME that helps vulnerable residents get around the borough is making an urgent appeal for more drivers to come forward.
The Wokingham Transport Scheme is run by the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and helps clients who live in Wokingham, Barkham, Winnersh and Finchampstead attend appointments to places such as the doctor, the dentist and at the hospital.
The service is a lifeline for many people and relies on volunteers, but there’s more users than there are drivers.
Helena Badger from the Volunteer Centre in Denton Road said: “We have a desperate need for new drivers to come forward.
“All our clients are elderly or vulnerable people who live locally.
“Our existing volunteer drivers come from different walks in life, including retired people, those who work shifts, those who work from home, part-time workers and even the unemployed.”
The volunteer centre pays all expenses including parking and fuel – all the drivers need is their own car.
“It’s so flexible. It’s as and when you want to help,” Ms Badger continued. “You’re never tied to any one time in the month. People can pick and choose when they want to help cover local rides and hospital visits.
“We have a variety of clients – some don’t have relatives in the area.
“Some need us just a couple of times a year and others are having treatments, such
as chemotherapy at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
“I don’t know what they’d do without us, it really is essential.”
There are currently 500 clients on the volunteer centre’s books and just 55 drivers.
“For the first time ever, we have a waiting list,” Ms Badger said.
“There’s such a demand for the service. The more drivers we get on board, the more we can help.
“The elderly population is growing, so there will be more people who will need help in the future.”
She added: “Signing up is really rewarding. You feel like you are making a difference.”
One of the volunteer drivers said: “It’s a real privilege to help our elderly residents.
“A lot of them live on their own and are virtually housebound, so a trip out, albeit to the hospital, is often a treat for them.
“Just to chat about simple, everyday things can brighten their day.
“My driving gives me a real sense of purpose now that I’m retired. Our clients are always so grateful.
“We realise we are a bit of a lifeline for our passengers.”
To offer help or for more information, call the Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk
