South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has called for more volunteers for Sheffield’s Door2Door community transport service.
The service has been providing transport to those less able within the Sheffield community for over 30 years, taking people to and from local events or simply allowing them to fulfill everyday tasks.
A lack of volunteers signing up for the service has led to Mayor Coppard to encourage more to do so.
Retired Sheffield maths teacher Mark Crossley, 72, has driven for the community service since he retired twelve years ago. Mr Crossley said: “There is a demand for younger people to volunteer otherwise the above organisation may have to stop catering for the elderly.
“They are the very people who look forward to be able to be collected from their home, helped to the transport and meet at a warm venue for a cooked meal followed by bingo.”
Volunteers ensure that those using the service are well looked after and helped to and from each location.
Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Volunteers are the beating heart of community transport in South Yorkshire. They help people stay active, connected and independent; often at moments when they need it most.”
Anyone over the age of 21 can volunteer, with schedules being easily flexible around each volunteers daily life. Regular medical checks and reviews of licenses are key to the safety of those using the service.
More information, as well as an introduction to some of the volunteer drivers can be found in the video below.
The South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority provides £1.7 million each year in grant funding for community transport groups.
Mr Crossley urged younger generations to volunteer, expressing how satisfying the role can be: “It was very satisfying helping, especially as a volunteer, with the cost of transport being much lower than commercial hired vehicles. Many commercial vehicles could not offer a lift for wheelchair users or for those finding the steps difficult.”
More information, along with how and who can volunteer, can be found here on South Yorkshire’s transport webpage. They can also be contacted via phone at 0114 285 9906 for Sheffield.