Volunteer drivers needed for community minibuses

The volunteer drivers take elderly and isolated people out and about around East Yorkshire

A call has gone out for volunteers to drive community minibuses in East Yorkshire.

The scheme offers transport for older people and those with disabilities as well as residents in rural areas to get out and about and attend appointments.

Drivers are needed for three transport groups in Beverley, Goole and Holderness.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is offering potential volunteers a taster session in Beverley next month.

Fiona Wales, manager of Beverley Community Lift, said the service could not operate without "our wonderful volunteers".

"Whether that’s getting to a hospital appointment, out to do their supermarket shopping or a social day out," she said.

"In return, our volunteers say that driving for us gives them a sense of satisfaction and pride, knowing that they are helping people retain their independence and friendships."

Doreen Worsnop, a regular user of the Beverley service, said getting out of the house "really lifts my spirits".

"Living on your own can be very lonely, so it’s comforting to know there are friendly people on the minibus just like me," she said.

"The volunteers and drivers are charming and can be quite amusing."

The taster session takes place at the Beverley Enterprise Centre in Beckview Road on 9 November.

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