Cumberland Council’s Community Transport Service is looking for some new faces to join the council’s voluntary social car schemes. The Community Transport service has a team of over 100 volunteer drivers and co-ordinators providing around 17 voluntary social car schemes throughout the Cumberland patch, providing journeys for people who need to do the weekly shop, see the doctor, or just visit friends.
The council are on the lookout for more people who can give up some of their spare time to be volunteer drivers or scheme co-ordinators. All expenses are reimbursed. As well as learning new skills and providing a lifeline for people without access to transport, signing up as a volunteer is a good way to meet new people and give something back to the community.
The council understands that times are difficult at present with the cost-of-living, and hope that if you are in a fortunate position to help others, you will find the roles rewarding. Car sharing can also be beneficial to covering the costs of running your own vehicle and be able to run your own errands whilst helping others. The council is looking for volunteer co-ordinators (to organise journeys) within the following areas:
- Wigton (the council need at least two co-ordinators in Wigton)
- Kirkbride, Silloth and Skinburness
Voluntary drivers only are needed in the following locations:
- Millom
- Dalston / Cummersdale
- Drigg / Carelton / Irton / Seascale / Eskdale / Gosforth
- Whitehaven / St Bees / Egremont / Cleator Moor / Arlecdon / Frizington
The council is currently looking to set up new voluntary schemes in several areas of the county, and are seeking volunteer co-ordinators (and drivers once they are established) in the following locations:
- Brampton
- Workington
- Maryport / Allonby
- Longtown
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“As it’s Valentine’s Day, we're extending a special invitation to all those who have a passion for volunteering to consider joining our team!
“Our volunteers are the heart of our community, making a significant impact on helping people move around and connect. Their dedicated efforts play a vital role in providing this essential service, and we're incredibly grateful for their invaluable contributions.
“We're eager to extend the love for volunteering and thank our valuable volunteers and welcome new members to join us in supporting our community transport initiatives. If you have some free time and a desire to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you."
Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Katy Wood, the council’s Voluntary Transport Officer, 07788 396194, or visit Cumberland Council’s website.