Community transport organisations in the north-east may soon benefit from a major volunteer recruitment drive which will allow them to continue running their vital services.
As well as helping people make essential appointments, community transport groups allow users to visit shops and areas they otherwise would not be able to through public transport.
The new drive, which will see groups including NHS Grampian and Nestrans working together, seeks to support and attract new workers for these groups.
Locally, these include the Buchan Dial-a-Community Bus and the Banffshire Partnership Rural Transport Hub.
Andrew Stewart, the initiative’s programme manager, said: “Many vulnerable people rely on volunteer services to help them access health and social care.
“We hope this recruitment drive will attract new volunteers to give something back to their communities, it is a vital pool of goodwill.”
Volunteers will be asked to drive minibuses within community schemes or to drive their own vehicle, for which they will receive a mileage rate. The recruitment drive is also looking for volunteers to act as escorts for passengers on journeys.
Fraserburgh councillor Brian Topping said last night: “It’s a tremendous system for getting older and disabled people out and about, especially in rural areas. It’s a great thing, a lot of people who do use the existing services find it so valuable.
“I would certainly encourage anyone to come forward. It’s a very worthwhile thing, it must be quite a satisfactory role – it’s helping people who could basically be housebound.”
Those interested in becoming a volunteer within Aberdeenshire are asked to call the local authority on 01467 626060.