A volunteer driving scheme that helps older and vulnerable people to hospital and healthcare appointments across County Durham received its 1,000th patient referral on Monday 20/11/17.
The project, which is run in partnership with Supportive and funded by the local Clinical Commissioning Group is delivered by national charity Volunteering Matters. As they reach the 1,000 patients milestone, the charity is now appealing to local volunteers to help even more people across County Durham.
Ashleigh Gibson, Volun-teering Matters Development Worker, said: “Many people rely on our volunteer driving schemes to help them get out and about and do everyday things that most of us take for granted. A routine appointment at the doctors can be complicated, if not impossible, for some people without the support of a volunteer driver. As part of the Help to Health scheme, we cover several surgeries across County Durham.
“Together we can assist with helping older people maintain their health, independence and reduce social isolation. Our drivers find it a rewarding way to spend their free time because they know they make a big difference to the lives of others.
“This week we received our 1000th patient referral and we’re appealing to local people to volunteer their time and driving skills to help even more patients in the future. If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer driver we would love to hear from you.”
This scheme is made possible by local volunteers like John, 73 from County Durham. He said: “I’ve been volunteering as a driver for the past 9 years. I do it in the morning, it gets you out and you get to meet very nice people who really appreciate the help that you give them and you get to have a nice chat. You can really see it’s helping and it’s well appreciated.”
To find out more about becoming a volunteer driver, contact the team on 0191 3891155.