Reviving ‘Car Link’ Scheme in Norfolk
Specialist patient transport firm ERS Medical is working with Voluntary Norfolk to bring back the ‘Car Link’ Volunteer Drivers’ Scheme into operation from 1 October 2014. The Car Link Volunteer Driver Scheme will recruit and train volunteer drivers who transport patients and clients to health, social care and wellbeing appointments.
Voluntary Norfolk is a Council for Voluntary Service operating across Norfolk to support volunteers and voluntary organisations. The group began as the Norwich Organisation for Active Help in 1969, when a group of young people decided that they would like to help their community and encourage and support others to volunteer to do the same. They are now an organisation with over 50 staff and deliver numerous projects across the county including health and social care volunteers who befriend and support people in the community and help people out of worklessness.
Linda Rogers, Head of Operations at Voluntary Norfolk commented, “Many people will remember the original Car Link service, which we operated successfully across Norfolk for many years, offering a valued service to many local people. Now, we are delighted to be working with ERS Medical to bring a fresh approach to the new Car Link Volunteer Drivers’ Scheme to support the non emergency patient transport contract in the Norfolk area. Our role with ERS Medical will capitalise on our 45 years of expertise in recruiting and working with volunteers, and supporting them to ensure they have the best possible experience. We really look forward to meeting and working with the excellent volunteer drivers who are already providing such valuable service, as well as welcoming new drivers.”
ERS Medical commented, “This is a new initiative for ERS Medical and we are developing a number of volunteer schemes across our contract areas. This is a great opportunity for people in Norfolk wanting to give some of their spare time to support their local community. Existing and new applicants will also be provided with a training package delivered by ERS Medical, including first aid training, which has been specifically put together for volunteers.”
Interested applicants can email volunteers@ersmedical.co.uk with their full name, contact telephone number and email address. More information can be found here.
