Could you be a transport volunteer in your community?

Community transport schemes across Nottinghamshire are seeking more volunteer drivers to help vulnerable residents attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

The schemes provide transport for people who have difficulty using public transport and those who have no other means of travel.

Volunteer drivers have helped people in their communities throughout the pandemic by transporting them to medical appointments, collecting shopping and prescriptions, and most recently, making sure they can attend vaccination appointments.

Could you spare a few hours a week to become a volunteer? While most schemes require access to your own car, some also recruit volunteers to drive minibuses.

Those wishing to volunteer can call 0115 969 9060 to be referred onto their local community transport organisation, or contact them directly using the details on our website: (https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/community-accessible-transport/volunteer-drivers) 

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “Community transport schemes are often a lifeline to those more vulnerable in our communities.

“Without the support of dedicated volunteers, it would not be possible to deliver these vital transport links across Nottinghamshire, and now, with vaccination centres opening across the county, they will be joining the fight against coronavirus in their communities.

“We have seen so many examples of people going the extra mile for others throughout the pandemic, and those who can spare a few hours a week and have access to their own car are encouraged to contact their local community transport organisation.

“It is important that those needing support with transport register with Nottinghamshire community transport schemes.

“While these schemes are not run by the county council, we recognise the value they have in our communities and would like to encourage residents to direct those in need of support to their local community transport scheme.”

If you or someone you know requires support with transportation, you can search for a community transport scheme in your area on our website: (https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/community-accessible-transport/find)

People in the Newark area can now make use of our new bus service, between Newark Bus Station and the Covid-19 Vaccination Centre at Newark Showground. The service runs every 15 minutes during the day until early evening. For more details please visit our website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/newarkvaccinationcentrebustimetable

 For further media information please contact Natalie Robinson on 0115 9773409, natalie.robinson@nottscc.gov.uk or news@nottscc.gov.uk