HMR Circle has Volunteer Drivers Service contract extended for 3 years

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) Circle Volunteer Drivers Service

The HMR Circle Volunteer Drivers Service has had its contract extended for three more years.

After running the passenger service for three years, the contract was tendered in December 2021. HMR Circle won the contract after a full and comprehensive tender process.

HMR Circle volunteer drivers service coordinator Mary Burke said: "We are really pleased to have been awarded the contract to run the 'VDS' for at least another three years.

“The positive improvements and changes we have been able to implement since being under the HMR Circle banner has seen the service help even more people especially during the pandemic.

“To win a national award and now to be awarded the contract for at least another three years is certainly the icing on the cake."

HMR Circle Director, Mark Wynn added: "I want to thank Mary and the team in the office for their fantastic work and also to Rochdale Adult Care for again putting their faith in the HMR Circle Volunteer Drivers Service, but the biggest thank you has to go to our fabulous volunteer drivers who go above and beyond every day, supporting older people and vulnerable adults to stay connected.'

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) Circle is a not-for-profit community interest company which works to reduce social isolation in older people through social events, practical support, befriending and a volunteer drivers service.

After the first lockdown started on 23 March 2020, the volunteer drivers service changed from a passenger service to collecting and delivering prescriptions, standard food shopping, emergency food parcels and essential PPE to doctors’ surgeries. The service even helped distribute support activities such as craft packs.