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Have you got the drive to volunteer?

A vital community transport scheme is looking for volunteer drivers in the south of the New Forest. Community First New Forest runs a ‘Call and Go’ bus service for anyone whose needs are not met by public bus services.

This could be because there are no bus services, people live too far from the bus stop or they find it difficult getting on and off public buses; maybe because they have a mobility impairment or use a wheelchair.

Community First New Forest has been running its ‘Call and Go’ scheme for several years and wants to maintain and develop the service to help as many people as possible.

Drivers provide a door to door service via 9 routes to the coastal towns of New Milton, Sway, Lymington and Milford. Nearly 400 people are registered with Community First New Forest. Many clients use ‘Call and Go’ every week, with some having relied on the service for over 10 years.

Both drivers and passenger assistants are being sought by Community First New Forest to join their team of volunteers. Specially adapted mini buses are used and full training is provided including MiDAS (Minibus Driving Awareness Scheme). The roles require up to four hours commitment a week.

Graham Hartless, Transport Manager at Community First New Forest, explains, “Our ‘Call and Go’ drivers provide a truly door to door service. They collect and return clients to their home, help with any mobility aids and even carry shopping for them.”

The team of volunteer drivers and passenger assistants at Community First New Forest find their work extremely rewarding and as Mike who has been a volunteer driver since 2002 explains, “I have met some wonderful characters over the years and driving the bus for Community First New Forest has been a great way for me to spend my spare time”.

For many people Community First New Forest provides an essential service. Commenting recently, a client said, “I don’t know what I would do without Call and Go as it’s the only time I manage to get out – I really look forward to seeing everyone on the bus and having a chat.’

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