Local drivers assist elderly patients to medical appointments
A dedicated group of local people are playing a major role in getting elderly residents to and from a wide range of medical appointments thanks to their involvement in the Ascot Volunteer Bureau.
Established for more than 30 years volunteers provide a door to door return service for those living in Ascot, Sunninghill, Sunningdale and Cheapside who face challenges getting to doctors’ surgeries, clinics, dentists and other medical facilities.
Around 30 drivers plus a handful of administrators run the Ascot Volunteer Bureau to give personal help to those who no longer have the mobility they once had at minimal cost – clients pay only a flat fee for journeys within the SL5 postcode and a low mileage rate for trips outside the area.
Booked by phone the service pairs the nearest volunteer driver with a client and the service includes the driver waiting for the client during their appointment and returning them home, so the service really is tailored to the individual. Unfortunately, due to volunteers using their own cars they cannot help those who are wheelchair dependent.
During the last year the AVB – as it is known – has handled more than 1,000 journeys for clients over the age of 65 and without personal transport. The Bureau would like to do even more but that depends on the number of drivers available – as volunteers they do not work fixed days or “shifts” and cannot provide a service at weekends.
But loyal clients regularly comment on how much they value the service and how it gives them reassurance that a friendly face will pick them up, take them o their appointment and then wait to bring them home – unless the client has to spend several hours in treatment although a return journey is almost always arranged.
If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer with AVB or if you would like to register to use the service then go to the website – ascotvolunteerbureau.org.uk – or call their helpline on 01344 625520 and leave a message as the system is monitored daily.