Dear Elm Tree patients,
A new transport service called West Vale Mobility is soon to be active for the villages of Watchfield, Shrivenham, Longcot, Bourton & Ashbury. The scheme is a single wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and will be entirely provided by volunteer drivers, leaders and administrators.
The intent is to provide inexpensive transport for residents of these villages to attend pre-arranged health and well-being appointments in Swindon. The service will not be restricted to just wheelchair users, although a higher priority will be given to wheelchair users, where possible.
West Vale Mobility will ask for minimum donations that cover only the fuel costs of the journey; these are likely to be £5 or less, depending on exact locations, for an appointment in Swindon. This compares favourably to a taxi fare to the hospital that is normally a minimum of £15 each way for a non-WAV taxi. A second journey will need to be booked to return. Payments will be made by BACS at the time of booking or by card to the driver. Cash won’t be accepted. 5 working days’ notice will be required for booking the service.
Drivers will not be able to assist patients beyond getting in or out of the vehicle so a companion will be necessary if the individual to be transported/client is not entirely independently mobile.
A QR code directing people to the booking email address is here:
The charity are looking for additional volunteer drivers who may be able to offer at least half a day a week. They are also looking for more volunteers to answer the phone and take bookings during working hours; this commitment can be conducted from home, and again, they are looking for volunteers who can offer at least half a day per week. Please contact westvalemobility@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering for this unique new local community charity.
West Vale Mobility expect the service to be in operation in the coming weeks. This service is supported by grant aid from Oxfordshire County Council and the Parish Councils of the villages it serves. We look forward to helping our community with this valuable and sustainable transport service.”
Thank you
Stu Coffey
Chair
West Vale Mobility
07825703836
Briefing PDF Document
