Give the gift of a lift and become a Travel Norfolk volunteer driver

Norfolk County Council is looking for individuals who want to make a positive impact by becoming a volunteer driver for the Travel Norfolk Car Scheme.

This scheme offers a chance for people to contribute their spare time while providing essential transportation for those who may face challenges in getting to where they need to go.

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure said: "Our volunteers are invaluable and play a vital role in helping others across the county. Their time helps to give others access to services they need and creates a community that can remain independent for longer. Volunteering is not only good for others but also good for the person volunteering as it provides social connection which is key for a long and fulfilled life.

"We're looking for more volunteers to support our Travel Norfolk Transport Schemes, so if you have some time to spare and feel that you could help, we'd really like to hear from you".

The Travel Norfolk Car Scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring eligible adults can reach vital health, social, and wellbeing services through essential journeys. Passengers contribute 45p per mile towards the cost of the journey plus any car parking fees.

One dedicated volunteer Jeanne Heal wants to encourage others to join and shares her story:

"I've always been committed to helping the community in North Norfolk, and having spent a lot of my working career in the area I know the challenges people face in getting around this rural part of Norfolk. I also love people and enjoy driving so this really is an ideal for me.

As a volunteer driver I enable people to keep various medical appointments, necessary shopping trips, visit relatives in hospital or care homes. People can be anxious travelling, I enjoy chatting, listening to people and sharing experiences with passengers which seems to put them at their ease.

Without the service, passengers have expressed that they would be unable to attend appointments. In the past 18 months I have volunteered with Travel Norfolk Car Scheme, every journey has been a pleasure, it is satisfying knowing that passengers feel safe during their journeys.

I have volunteered all my adult life in various roles. Volunteering provides a wealth of experiences and insights into the challenges of living in a rural community. My journey as a volunteer has sharpened my patience and active listening skills. It also enables me to improve my driving skills to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and safe journey".

Individuals interested in joining this scheme can learn more by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/volunteerdrivers or by contacting the Travel Norfolk Car Scheme directly at 0344 800 8020.