VCAEC, Voluntary and Community Action East Cambs, and it’s predecessors (have been running the East Cambridgeshire Social Car Scheme since 1998), are looking into various options to enable the scheme to better suit the local community it serves.
Each year we travel around 86,000 miles and our volunteer drivers give up 5,448 hours of their own time to help others in their local community. Around 62% of these journeys are classed as medical but we also assist people to go shopping or visit loved ones.
We are seeking information and/or feedback on the possible options set out below.
Option 1:
The provision of a carer to assist those who are able to get in and out of a car unaided but need assistance whilst attending appointments.
Option 2:
The provision of a wheelchair adapted vehicle with a carer to assist those who are a wheelchair user and need assistance whilst attending appointments.
We have, on average, two calls every week asking for transport with a carer. When questioned it becomes apparent that the caller is in need of the services of a carer to assist them. At the moment, we do not offer this service as we are volunteer drivers and if someone requires more hands on assistance we would require them to take a carer with them, which is not always possible.
We have several calls each month asking for transport for those who are a wheelchair user. When questioned it becomes apparent that the caller is in need of the services of a specially adapted vehicle with a carer. At the moment we have someone based in St Ives who can offer this service but her time is limited and obviously there are additional costs involved.
“In order for VCAEC to be able to compile a successful funding bid to grow our services to meet the needs of the local community we require evidence of this need. If anyone is interested in one or both of these services, please do get in touch”. Angela Haylock, CEO at VCAEC.
I would appreciate a response via angela@vcaec.org.uk by 10th November.
Thanking you in advance for any information you can provide.
Press release from VCAEC
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