New community group, Frome Community Cars, is looking for volunteer drivers to help people in Frome access the services they need.
The service, which is set to launch in October, will primarily provide transport for those who have limited access in collecting medication or attending hospital appointments. If the scheme is successful, other journeys could be added.
Richard Fry who is helping to set up the scheme said, “Volunteer driver schemes exist in many areas and provide a lifeline for people. By having a dedicated Frome service we want to develop a network of drivers who will ensure that Frome residents with limited access to transport can get to vital services such as medical appointments.”
The scheme is set up with seed funding from Frome Town Council and is set to be piloted in October. Frome Town Council’s resilience officer, Anna Francis said, “With cuts to services we are receiving an increasing number of calls from people who are finding it hard to get to medical appointments, or to visit their loved ones in hospital.
“We are also working with key groups such as Active and In Touch who tell us that transport often stops their members from attending local groups and activities. Volunteering, even once a month, is a fantastic way to support the local community, cover your cars costs and do something worthwhile. It also plays a key role in reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. And we’ll be exploring car sharing options and opportunities to use Frome’s car club to reduce emissions too.”
Whilst the initial focus is on transporting people to and from medical centres and hospitals, if the scheme is successful it could be expanded to allow other journeys, but, Richard is keen to point out that the scheme is not a taxi service.
He added, “The scheme will pay volunteer drivers 45p a mile to cover expenses and will also look to hire car club cars for people who want to volunteer but don’t have a suitable vehicle. Schemes elsewhere have found that most of the UK insurers do not add any additional cost. The scheme will also have its own public liability insurance.”
To volunteer or to find out more visit: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/community-cars email: fromecommunitycars@gmail.com