Wyre Forest community transport charity appeals for volunteer drivers

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride, operating as Wyre Forest Community Transport (WFCT), provides door-to-door essential travel for several hundred people who are unable to drive or access public transport, due to disability, frailty, poverty or because there is none where they live.

The charity relies on volunteer drivers, who either use their own vehicles or the organisation’s fleet of wheelchair-accessible minibuses, to take people to essential medical appointments or social activities such as day centres, lunch clubs, visiting friends and relatives, or trips to the shops.

Passengers pre-book their journeys and can also take advantage of regular outings which are arranged to enhance the wellbeing of the most vulnerable, combatting loneliness and isolation.

Regular passenger Elsie Farley, aged 93, said: “I’ve been using the service for more than 16 years and I couldn’t go anywhere without it. They take me to Tesco's Tuesdays and Thursdays and it means I have my independence and can do my own shopping.

“The drivers are lovely, so kind and helpful. They help carry my shopping and we have a good laugh with them.”

Driver Alan Wakefield, who has been a volunteer for 10 years, said he would “highly recommend” joining the team.

“I like helping people, it gets me out of the house, and it’s nice to drive the minibuses. As a volunteer you get a lot of satisfaction.”

Chief officer David Muggeridge said increasing demand plus a couple of recent retirements of long-serving volunteers had prompted the appeal.

He said: “We provide door-to-door affordable transport enabling people to live as independent and fulfilled lives as possible, freeing them from the worry of how they are going to get out and about and from isolation.

“With around 2,400 journeys required every month, we need more drivers, men and women, who can give a few hours a week on a regular basis. We are very flexible and plan around their commitments, holidays and so forth. The role is ideal for people who work part-time or are retired.”

Drivers using their own cars are reimbursed to cover their costs, currently at a rate of 45p/mile, and a normal driving licence will allow them to drive the charity’s minibuses.

Volunteers receive induction training, are DBS checked, and can take additional training courses in areas such as wheelchair clamping on minibuses, ensuring passenger safety.

For more details on becoming a volunteer driver, or service user, contact Mr Muggeridge on 01562 755084 or visit www.ctwyre.org.uk.