Andover Neighbourcare is appealing for volunteer drivers to help elderly and disabled people across the town get to hospital appointments, shopping trips and other essential journeys.
The local charity, which has been supporting senior citizens in Andover and the surrounding area for more than 30 years, provides a range of services designed to help people maintain their independence and remain connected with their community.
Transport is an important part of that work, with Andover Neighbourcare now looking for more people who can spare some of their time to get behind the wheel and help local residents who may otherwise struggle to get around.
Volunteer drivers are used to provide transport for elderly and disabled clients, including journeys to hospital and medical appointments as well as shopping trips. The charity says volunteers are given a generous mileage allowance to help cover the cost of their journeys.
For many of the people using the service, however, the journey can mean much more than simply getting from A to B.
Andover Neighbourcare says its transport services provide elderly and disabled residents with opportunities to meet people, make friends and retain some of the independence that can become increasingly difficult when someone no longer drives or has limited access to transport.
The charity also operates minibus outings, with space for up to 16 passengers. Previous trips organised through its Connexions Club have included visits to Poole, Weymouth, Oxford and Reading.
The appeal forms part of Andover Neighbourcare’s wider reliance on volunteers. Alongside transport, the organisation provides services including shopping, cleaning, gardening and support for older and vulnerable residents, while its community shop has been operating in Union Street for more than 20 years.
Anyone with some spare time who enjoys driving and would like to make a practical difference to people in the Andover community is being encouraged to get in touch.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver can pop into Andover Neighbourcare in Union Street, Andover, or call 01264 404142 for further information.