Buckland Newton

Neighbourhood

Car Scheme and

‘Community

Connections’

Buckland Newton Neighbourhood Car Scheme

I thought that I should just let everyone know that these two services (see below for ‘Community Connections’ information) are up and running again if you need support either getting to appointments, or matching up with someone who may be able to assist you doing those little things you struggle with. If anyone would like to join our band of volunteers there is no commitment to be available on set days, it is all run very informally. For more information give me a call on 07733 849264. Or email on bncarsheme@gmail.com The year has started steadily for the car scheme with twelve lifts covered so far to support individuals in our community. Most have been to take people to their medical appointments at either hospitals, or over to Cerne Surgery but with a few also to Dorchester railway station. We have even had a request for a lift on a Sunday afternoon, to the new hospital outpatient’s unit in Charles Street, Dorchester. The end of last year was also busy for us, as we managed to cover ten requests to take someone who didn’t drive, to visit a close relative in Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester. All of our clients appreciate the support that they are given to continue to live in a rural community with no other public transport. Gill Nell, one of our long-term volunteers, has decided to step down from driving for the scheme. She has been driving for the scheme since it started and before that drove for Friends of Cerne Surgery. Her support will be missed, and I am sure that all of our clients would like to say a big thank you for all of the lifts she has covered. For all of the lifts, we rely on our volunteer drivers who give their time freely. This is a fulfilling experience for the drivers too who can volunteer as much, or as little, as they wish. We are always open to welcoming new drivers as demand fluctuates and, sometimes, we cannot fulfil a request. Drivers vary in how many trips they volunteer for. A few drive frequently but some only occasionally, though their contribution is nonetheless very welcome. If anyone is interested in joining the scheme as either a volunteer driver or client, then please contact Sheila Crouch at bncarscheme@gmail.com or leave a message on 07733 849264 and I will get back to you. Sheila Crouch (Car Scheme Co-ordinator) Help Needed – can you spare an odd hour or 2? I am sure that many of you, may have been waiting a long time on hospital waiting lists for an appointment. Could you imagine, if when you have finally got an appointment, that you cannot attend, as you cannot get there! How frustrating and annoying would that be! Buckland Newton Community Car Scheme is seeing an increased demand for lifts to medical appointments, be it to the local surgeries to see the doctor or to various hospitals for treatment, or consultations. We have picked up several new clients recently and unfortunately in the last few weeks we have had to say that we cannot cover for lifts for them. Our lifts also include taking individuals to the chiropractor, live in carers to the railway station as well as supporting individuals to go shopping. Most of our lifts are in the week usually between 9am and 5pm, although we sometimes get the odd weekend request too for hospital appointments now. Once a request comes in, I email all of our volunteer drivers to see if anyone is available to cover it. You don’t need to be available at set times. The driving fits in round you. Drivers get paid a mileage allowance, get hospital parking permits, and have the satisfaction that they are supporting others in the village who need our help. Drivers need to inform their insurance company they are carrying out volunteer driving (usually no additional charge) and also get a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check from Dorchester Volunteer Bureau which is free. We know that our clients find the service invaluable to keep them independent and living in their own homes. Who knows in the future it maybe you, who will need a lift somewhere! If you think you could help, then please give me a call or email to find out more information (07733 849264 / e-mail bncarscheme@gmail.com). Thanks, Sheila Crouch Buckland Newton Community Car Scheme Co-ordinator. Nordcat Dial a Ride Service I would also like to remind you about Nordcat Dial A Ride service, which covers our area too. This has set routes and is another local community transport operator that can pick you up at your door. For example, most Fridays they run the minibus to Dikes in Stalbridge – enough time for you to do your shopping and have a treat in the cafe. There is an annual subscription of £5 and if you have a bus pass, journeys are free. Journeys should be requested 24 hours before the journey. For more information phone 01258 472164.