Cumberland Council’s Community Transport Service is seeking new faces to join the council’s voluntary social car schemes.
The Community Transport service has a team of over 100 volunteer drivers and co-ordinators providing around 17 voluntary social car schemes throughout the Cumberland patch, providing journeys for people who need to do the weekly shop, see the doctor, or just visit friends. These volunteers helped cover Cumbria’s 1,300 customers with their transport needs every year, with over 5,300 trips provided during 2022-23.
The council is on the lookout for more people able to give up some of their spare time to be volunteer drivers or scheme co-ordinators. All expenses are reimbursed. As well as learning new skills and providing a lifeline for people without access to transport, signing up as a volunteer is a good way to meet new people and give something back to the community.
The council understands that times are difficult at present with the cost-of-living, and hope that if you are in a fortunate position to help others, you will find the roles rewarding. Car sharing can also be beneficial to covering the costs of running your own vehicle and be able to run your own errands whilst helping others.
The council is looking for volunteer co-ordinators (to organise journeys) within the following areas:
- Wigton (the council need at least two co-ordinators)
- Assistant for Whitehaven / St Bees / Cleator Moor / Egremont / Frizington / Arlecdon
Voluntary drivers only are needed in the following locations:
- Millom
- Dalston / Cummersdale
- Drigg / Carelton / Irton / Seascale / Eskdale / Gosforth
- Whitehaven / St Bees / Egremont / Cleator Moor / Arlecdon / Frizington
The council is currently looking to set up new voluntary schemes in several areas of the county, and are seeking volunteer co-ordinators (and drivers once they are established) in the following locations:
- Brampton
- Workington
- Maryport / Allonby
- Longtown
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Our volunteers are truly exceptional in their efforts and play a crucial role in helping people move around the community. Without their invaluable contributions, we wouldn't be able to offer this essential service.
"We're excited to welcome new volunteers who can join us in supporting our community transport initiatives. If you have some free time and are interested in lending a hand, we would appreciate hearing from you."
Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Katy Wood, the council’s Voluntary Transport Officer, 07788 396194, or visit Cumberland Council’s website.