MELKSHAM and District Link has issued a desperate plea for new transport co-ordinators, as the service is struggling to keep their transport arrangements organised.
The Melksham and District Link is a charity service that drives people to medical appointments across the region, making over 40 trips per week. Their clients include the elderly, less able, and those who cannot drive themselves.
The Link service will always welcome new drivers but the current need is for transport co-ordinators to replace their previous dedicated helpers.
Every journey has to be arranged and, at present, this is being carried out by just three volunteers for a week at a time. They work from their own homes using a mobile phone provided by Link.
The co-ordinators record details of all requests, and communicate with both the drivers and clients to keep the service running smoothly. Some days are busier than others but this very worthwhile work can usually be fitted in around any other domestic chores!
Two of the current co-ordinators are happy to continue this vital work but cannot manage the service continuously. The other co-ordinator desperately needs a rest as she has provided this service for several years, at times as the sole co-ordinator.
Melksham and District Link needs YOU to be the vital link. To discuss the possibility of doing this voluntary work, please phone the volunteer recruitment officer Mike Nash on 01225 340589.
Over 500 local residents used the Link service last year, making trips to local surgeries as well as hospitals as far afield as Oxford and Southampton. Link only asks for donations to help cover costs; mainly petrol, telephone and insurance.
The Melksham and District Link service covers Melksham, Melksham Without, Shaw, Whitley, Beanacre, Forest, Bowerhill, Atworth, Broughton Gifford, Lacock and Semington.
For more information about the service call 07979 129052.
