Helen backs volunteer car scheme

Helen Morgan is encouraging people to sign up as volunteers for a new car scheme designed to help people reach medical appointments in North Shropshire.

The St. Martins volunteer car scheme was established to provide transport for essential journeys, where public transport is either unavailable or unsuitable and where the passenger does not have access to a vehicle. 

The St Martins scheme acts as a lifeline to those without access to their own transport and is a safe, friendly, and personal way of getting where you need to go. The volunteers use their own cars to take people to surgeries, dental appointments, and opticians – vital in a rural area like North Shropshire with poor public transport links.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire said, “I’d really encourage local residents who can to sign up and volunteer with the St Martins car scheme. Since the closure of the GP service in the village, many are finding it harder and harder to access healthcare, and the scheme is very important for linking people up.”

Viv Fisher from the St Martins volunteer car scheme added, “To have a door-to-door service from a local volunteer for an affordable fee is so important and relevant to St. Martins as there is no health care provision in the village.

“The scheme is not meant to replace buses or taxis. Many can’t walk to a bus stop or get on a bus, so just having that one to one service for an hour or so is so important.

“There may be someone who might like to get to village events or visit loved ones in hospital or residential care. The scheme has been established with the help and support of Shropshire Council. The passengers pay a small fee and this is made up by Shropshire Council, to give the volunteer a mileage contribution.”

Residents can book transport by calling the co-ordinator on 07931 760879.