Your ‘community car scheme’ helps people
get out and about, stay active and remain part of the community
There are lots of people who don’t
drive and find it difficult to use public transport.
People with age related or other
mobility problems, disabilities or has been advised not to drive can use the
scheme if they find it difficult to use public transport.
They might...
- · live too far from a bus stop
- · are unsteady on their feet,
- · travel in a wheelchair
- · have breathing difficulties or
- · memory problems which limits their mobility.
Taking the bus is not an easy option and
they rely on lifts from others or a taxi to get around. A fair number of
enquiries come from relatives who live away and are concerned that their
parent/relative is becoming isolated and socially excluded because of a lack of
suitable or affordable transport.
We have a group of volunteer drivers
who help people in the community get to essential healthcare appointments and
access social and leisure facilities. Unfortunately hospital appointments are
not included but we are able to take members to visit friends or relatives in
hospital.
Members phone for a car, giving as
much notice as possible and our volunteer led team will try to find someone who
lives near to them and is able to help.
Drivers are subject to a police check
and risk assessed before they start driving for us and issued with an I.D
badge. Most are retired and like the flexibility of helping people in a way
that fits around their lifestyle. Anyone can apply to drive as a volunteer if
they have their own car, live in the area and agree to a police check. The
driver is reimbursed at £0.45p per mile which covers expenses.
Our members really appreciate the
help and we usually find that they ask for the same driver again.
The driver will pick them up at
an agreed time, wait with them for a GP or dentist appointment and take them
home again. The driver will not usually wait more than 30 minutes but will
return later to take them home again. Drivers do not provide any care
assistance as this is not within the remit of the transport scheme.
Most of our drivers live in the
Bournemouth area. We can provide details of schemes outside of this area.
Mileage is charged at £0.60p per mile
and starts and ends at the driver’s home with a minimum charge of £5.00.
If the member needs to travel in a
wheelchair, our wheelchair accessible car can be booked with or without a
driver.
Charges for this vehicle are £1.00
per mile for a one off journey with a driver or we can provide a quote for a
full day without a driver based on expected mileage. This car is part of the
SEDCAT fleet so is charged on a cost recovery basis only making it considerably
cheaper than a wheelchair taxi. Also the car is booked in advance alleviating
the anxiety of not knowing whether a suitable vehicle will be available.
People who use the scheme join
as members and pay £10.00 per year for membership which also allows them to use
the accessible bus to go shopping and enjoy regular outings.
If you want to use of the community care scheme,
might be interested in working with us as a driver
or just want more information see
www.sedcat.org.uk, email info@sedcat.org.uk or call 01202 598295
