You will probably have seen their minibuses dropping-off and picking-up passengers all around Scarborough, but did you know that the majority of Dial a Ride’s drivers and passenger assistants are volunteers?
The charity has been supporting older and disabled local people for over 40 years and last year alone completed over 23,000 trips – an increase of over 11% on the previous year.
Manager, Steve Marsh spoke to This Is The Coast:
As well as the local journeys, which are completed in the distinctive minibuses, Dial a Ride uses its fleet of electric and wheelchair-accessible cars to offer a longer-distance service, transporting people to appointments in Bridlington, Malton, York, Hull, Leeds and Middlesborough. This service has seen a year-on-year increase in demand, with 549 journeys completed in 2024, up 29% on the previous year.
Colin Woodhead – a long-standing volunteer driver, passenger assistant and Trustee at the Charity said:
“We know that our volunteers make a genuine difference to people’s lives. By offering their time, volunteers help those who need it most to stay independent, active, and connected to their community. From a personal point of view, I get so much satisfaction from my volunteering, and I would strongly encourage others to give it a try.”
“Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, but all have compassion and a desire to help others. The time commitment varies from just half a day each fortnight, to several days per week. Volunteers get involved by driving our cars and/or minibuses, helping as passenger assistants, or in a new role, helping the office team by answering the phones and assisting with bookings.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at Dial a Ride can find out more by visiting the website at www.scarboroughdialaride.org/volunteering or by calling the team on (01723) 354434 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday-Friday.
North Yorkshire's Public Toilets are Threatened with Closure as New 50p Fee Proposed
FLOOD WARNING Issued For Bridlington's Harbour Road Area
Langdale Fire Funding- Scarborough & Whitby MP Asks Government Colleagues For Help
'Big Plan' Sets Out Five Years of Funding in East Riding
Scarborough Athletic Chief: Big Improvement Needed After Cup Exit
No Delay for Burniston Gas Rig Decision
Whitby Town Hope For Home Comforts After Poor Away Run
Bridlington Town Back On The Road
Scarborough and Brid Again Battle To Stay On Top
Pickering Town Face West Yorkshire Trip
Burniston Gas Well Plan Recommended for Approval Despite 1500 Objections
East Riding Councillors Condemn ‘Punitive’ Government Funding Review as Council Faces £100 Million Shortfall
Comments
Add a comment