Transport Community bus service’s volunteer appeal
AVITAL community transport service in North Somerset has launched a recruitment drive for volunteer drivers – to meet a rise in demand for services.
Nailsea and District Community Transport, which formed in 1994, runs a subsidised mini bus service, offering shopping trips and outings.
It also offers a dial a ride service for people needing transport to appointments such as to the doctor or hospitals. The service, a not for profit organisation, is used by a wide section of the community including elderly and disabled people, many of which have no car or struggle to use public transport.
But the service says it needs to be ready for an expected rise in demand and is on the hunt for additional drivers. Nailsea and District Community Transport trustee Jackie Lucas said: “Our day to day services, such as our regular shop
ping trips, will always remain a priority for us.
“But we are very short of volunteer drivers and needed to make
sure we have the resources we need. Outings have to be planned in advance and require a large amount of forward planning including that we have the drivers to resource them.”
Mrs Lucas said that the outings provide a vital chance for people, some who live alone and are at risk of becoming isolated, a chance to get out and socialise with others.
“The outings are very popular,” said Mrs Lucas.
“They are so important to contributing to people’s mental health and sense of wellbeing. But they rely heavily on driver availability.”
Mrs Lucas said the charity was expecting to see a demand for its services due to the cost of fuel and cuts to local bus services.
“In the current climate we are preparing for a rise in demand for our services,” said Mrs Lucas.
“So it is important that we are prepared and ready to meet that increase. We do have a small number of paid drivers as we need to ensure continuity and that our core services are resourced.
“But the services we offer, including the outings, rely heavily on a volunteer workforce.” Those wanting to use the services need to sign up as members. Once a member they then pay per trip.
The service, based at Southfield Road Industrial Estate, covers the northern part of North Somerset including the towns and villages of Clevedon, Portishead, Yatton, Long Ashton and Backwell. Every penny generated is ploughed back into supporting the service, alongside funding from local town and parish councils and North Somerset Council.
The charity has a fleet of eight fully accessible minibuses. Each minibus has a built-in tail lift, can transport a wheelchair-using passenger and has space to store folding walkers and shopping trolleys. Next year it will become the first community group to have its own fully electric minibus, funded with a grant from the National Lottery.
All volunteer drivers will receive MIDAS training to allow them to drive a minibus.
Anyone who wants to find out more or sign up as a volunteer driver can call 01275 855552 or email office@ndct.co.uk.