Started in 1981 by local residents who realised patients were struggling to get to appointments, there is still plenty of demand for the Tuxford Community Transport scheme, known as Dial a Trip.
The brainchild of a doctor, the local primary school headteacher and two people living locally, their story demonstrates how a community can benefit from people coming together to support others.
More generous volunteers are needed to keep the wheels moving at Dial A Trip and continue the success of this charity. Have you found yourself with spare time and are wondering what to do with it? Have you a full driving license? Enjoy driving and meeting new people? If your answer is yes, why not give them a call 01777 948384 and see how you can make a difference?
Dial a Trip operates over the rural parts of Bassetlaw from Gamston to Dunham-on-Trent, Tuxford to Bothamsall and it covers rural parts of Newark and Sherwood from Cromwell to Laxton, Ollerton to Walesby, and all villages in between.
It is run and administered by volunteers. Its mandate is to provide transport for anyone who cannot access public or other means of transport to get to a medical appointment or check-up. The scheme is there to help those people who may be isolated by any means; including living alone or in rural parts of the area – improving their mental and physical health and enabling them to keep appointments.
Volunteers use their own vehicle to transport people to medical appointments, including GP, dentist and opticians, as well as to social and leisure meetings and visiting family and friends. Trips can include long mileage visits to Doncaster, Sheffield and Nottingham hospitals and clinics.
As a driver you will pick a client up from their home and take them to their destination, normally waiting up to an hour unless otherwise previously organised through the office. Clients will pay you the mileage amount once they are back to their home and a receipt is given. The cost includes mileage from your home and your return.
There are many benefits to volunteering, including meeting new and interesting people which has its benefits to you as well as the client.
Dial A Trip drivers all say how much they enjoy volunteering and working with clients, and clients are always appreciative of the drivers and the availability of the service.
As a volunteer driver, you only work the hours you want to, with no late evenings, weekends or Bank Holidays. There are no age limits to volunteering and you don’t need any special skills. There is an application form to complete and Dial A Trip ask for two referees and a DBS (Data and Barring Service) check to be completed, which they will do and is free.
Find out more
Call 01777 948382 (office hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm; there is an answerphone at other times) or visit www.dialatrip.co.uk.