Cumbrian people interested in helping their communities to get out and about are being encouraged to mark this year’s National Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to June 7, by coming forward and teaming up with Cumbria County Council’s Community Transport service.
New faces are needed to join the voluntary social car and community minibus schemes, providing transport for people who cannot make journeys by public or private transport.
The council’s Community Transport service has a team of over 127 volunteers who have made thousands of journeys helping to get people out and about.
There are around 50 voluntary social car schemes operating across Cumbria, as well as a number of community transport schemes providing journeys for people who need to do the weekly shop, see the doctor, or just to visit friends.
The county council needs more people able to give up some of their spare time to be volunteer drivers or scheme co-ordinators. All expenses are reimbursed.
It is looking for volunteer co-ordinators in Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Maryport, Workington, Whitehaven, St Bees, Egremont, Cleator Moor and Silloth.
Volunteer drivers are needed across the county, but the main areas are currently Sedbergh, Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands, Wigton, Maryport, Workington and Silloth.
Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Katy Wood, the council’s voluntary transport officer, 07788396194, or visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/communitytransport
Social worker car service for children and young people
The council is also recruiting voluntary drivers to join the social worker car service for children and young people in south Cumbria.
The service provides essential transport for vulnerable children and families.
There are no set hours or distances, as this will depend on the needs of the service – it may be helping on a school run, or transporting parents to meetings with children.
All you need is a clean full UK driving licence and a serviced and insured car.
You will be reimbursed for the cost of your mileage at the rate of 45p per mile and training will be provided.
The position is subject to a DBS check – if you would like to know more information, contact council officer Angela Cockram on 07881006284.
