A Somerset scheme to enable people without transport to access the services they need, has won new grant funding after being nominated by local GPs.
GPs from Frome Medical Practice in Frome submitted the project for a Healthy Communities Grant from Assura, the specialist property company which looks after their medical centre building.
Practices working in the company’s 550 buildings around the country were invited to put forward schemes which made a difference to health for their patients. Frome Community Cars works with people in Frome to provide access to services for people without transport. The scheme has helped elderly and disabled people attend medical appointments and introduced isolated people to local networks.
Frome Medical Practice said, “This service provides a life‐line for many who would otherwise not be able to leave their homes.”
Anna Francis from Frome Community Cars said, “The volunteer driver scheme not only provides vital transport to enable people to access the things they need, it also gives a huge ‘feel good factor’ for our drivers and a ‘reason to get out bed in the morning.’ It’s a fantastic example of mutual aid – the community working together to support each other.”
Jonathan Murphy, CEO of Assura said, “This is invaluable insight from GPs about the community projects which make the biggest difference to health for their patients, and we’re absolutely delighted to support them through our buildings.”
Right: Volunteer driver Robert Harris with a Community Cars client.
