Harrogate charity calling for volunteer drivers as demand picks up for booster jab appointments
Harrogate Easier Living Project want to make sure they can help people get their third Covid jabs
A Harrogate charity's appealing for more volunteer drivers to get the elderly and vulnerable to their ovid booster jab appointments.
Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP), is urgently looking for volunteer drivers to help people struggling with transport to get out and about.
They want to make sure they can get everyone who wants a third jab to their appointment, but as day to day groups are up and running they're worried they might not cope with demand.
HELP’s ‘Driving Force’ voluntary drivers offer non-urgent transport to a wide range of destinations, including the hospital, GP surgeries, shops and community-based activities.
The service is expecting a surge in demand for journey requests following this week’s announcement that Covid-19 booster vaccinations will be given at Ripon Racecourse and Knaresborough’s Chain Lane Community Centre.
Anna Woolvern, project development worker, said: "We want to be here to help people and we anticipate some of those people might be struggling with transport. We know we're going to have an increased demand and we need to drivers to match that.
"We don't just need help with booster appointments but also day to day appointments at the doctors and hospitals or getting to community groups.
"We completely understand that people have busy lives but they really can dip in and out whenever they are free."
As society re-opens there is already high demand for HELP’s voluntary car driving services. The charity says it may struggle to meet the anticipated demand for transport to Covid-19 booster jab sessions without new drivers coming on board.
Frances Elliot, CEO of HELP’s parent charity, HADCA, explained:
“Our small team of volunteer drivers does an amazing job but they can only take on so many journeys between them. We now urgently need more volunteer drivers to help with a wide range of journeys.
“We recognise people lead busy lives. Whether you can spare one hour a month or half a day a week, we really need you!”
Volunteer drivers are required for both their Harrogate and Ripon-based ‘Driving Force’ teams. Drivers need to have their own vehicle and are reimbursed £0.45 per mile by the passenger to cover vehicle expenses. The charity provides any training and drivers can volunteer at times to suit them with no minimum commitment.
The charity says their volunteer drivers are playing a key role in helping people re-join their local communities and enjoy many of the things they have missed over the pandemic. Its volunteers are also providing important social contact for many passengers.