Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme launched

Kathy Shaw and Barry Mackleston of Rochdale's Partnerships for Older People Project and Neil Foley, Heywood New Heart Community Transport

The official launch a new community transport scheme, the Rochdale Volunteer Drivers Scheme (VDS), took place in Heywood today, Wednesday 21 May.

The not-for-profit scheme, developed by Rochdale’s Partnerships for Older People Project (POPP), provides transport for elderly people to health and leisure facilities, particularly when they need additional support or someone to wait for them.

Rochdale VDS works with 10 volunteer drivers, who can use their own cars or have access to a modified Berlingo vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair.

GMPTE supports the scheme alongside POPP partners Heywood New Heart Community Transport, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Council for Voluntary Service and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust.

It has given a £10,000 grant to Heywood New Heart Community Transport to get the scheme up and running, providing help with funding for the Berlingo, office space, phone lines and computer equipment.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s Interim Service Delivery Director, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to give this valuable scheme our support from the off.

“It provides affordable transport to health and leisure centre activities for some of the most vulnerable members of the community, as well as a befriending service thanks to the time and dedication of the volunteers.”

Journeys are charged at a maximum of 40p a mile and there is no waiting time charge – significantly reducing costs for trips outside of the local area, such as hospital appointments.

The scheme operates Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.30pm. 13 volunteers help with the administrative side of the scheme.

For more information, call 01706 926666.