The Trowbridge Area Community Link Scheme urgently needs more volunteer drivers to help in our work with the elderly, infirm and disadvantaged members of our local community.

The majority of the work done by our volunteers is taking people to medical appointments. Knowing that a Link driver will collect them from their home, take them to the appointment, and be there when it is time to go back home again can be very reassuring for someone who is elderly, nervous or frail. Other activities include taking clients to day centres and social clubs or to visit friends and family, doing shopping for those who are housebound, or assisting those who wish to do their own shopping but need someone to accompany them because of mobility or other health problems.

The volunteer driver uses their own vehicle for these journeys and a mileage allowance is paid to help towards the cost of the fuel used.

Trowbridge Link has been in existence for more than 15 years and the aim of the scheme is to “help people in need in a personal and friendly way”. It provides its services not only to residents of the town, but also to those in the outlying villages of Hilperton, Keevil, North Bradley, Southwick, Great Hinton, Semington, West Ashton and Steeple Ashton.

Statistics show that the number of older people is increasing nationwide, so services such as those provided by the Link Scheme are in great demand. To meet this need, we are looking for more volunteer drivers who have a few spare hours each week and, most importantly, a kind and thoughtful approach towards those members of our community who need a little extra support in order to maintain their independence.

If any of your readers are interested in becoming a Link volunteer driver, the telephone number of the Trowbridge Link Scheme is 07969 347042 and this line is open from 9.30am Monday to Friday with an answer phone available at other times.

Sue Holt, Press and publicity officer, Trowbridge Area Community Link Scheme.