Vulnerable residents could miss vital medical care unless a local transport charity can recruit more volunteer drivers to meet growing demand.
Vulnerable residents will miss vital hospital appointments without a fresh influx of volunteer drivers.
Bridlington Local Community Lift officials launched an urgent recruitment drive this week to meet a surging demand for their medical transport service.
The pilot scheme provides essential door-to-door journeys for people who struggle to reach hospitals in Bridlington, Scarborough, Hull, Malton, and York, as well as local clinics.
Many local residents currently miss crucial healthcare appointments simply because they lack reliable transport.
The service supports individuals who do not own a car, elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those who find other transport options unaffordable.
Beverley Community Lift, an organisation which has served East Yorkshire since nineteen seventy, runs the new pilot project.
Charity leaders say the initiative aims to increase access to medical appointments for any resident unable to use other means of transport, regardless of their age, abilities, background, or financial means.
Volunteer coordinator Jane Evison outlined the organisation's primary mission.
She said:
"We will provide a caring and sustainable transport service, at the heart of our community. With dedication and compassion, we will help ensure people do not miss medical appointments because of a lack of access to transport."
To achieve this goal, the charity needs community-minded individuals with spare time to join their friendly and supportive team.
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to take passengers directly to and from their medical appointments.
Organisers stress that helpers face no minimum commitment, allowing drivers to offer as few or as many lifts as they choose.
Volunteers can select the specific journeys and times that perfectly suit their own personal schedules.
Passengers cover all journey expenses by paying the HMRC-approved mileage allowance directly to the driver before the trip begins.
Because these payments do not exceed the running costs of the vehicle, authorities do not class the driving as a business venture.
Most insurance providers do not require additional cover for participating in a voluntary lift scheme, though the charity advises all volunteers to check with their specific provider.
If an insurer does charge an extra fee to add volunteer driving to a policy, the charity will reimburse the additional costs to ensure no volunteer is left out of pocket.
New drivers receive comprehensive support, including a full induction training session and a Disclosure and Barring Service background check to protect both the volunteers and the passengers.
To help reassure vulnerable passengers, drivers receive a branded uniform, including a top or fleece, along with an official name badge.
Drivers also contact their passengers the day before a scheduled journey to confirm timings and locations, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Jane Evison highlighted the real-world impact that volunteers have on the local community.
She said:
"Together, we can make sure no one misses vital care just because they can't get a lift."
Anyone interested in making a meaningful difference in their community can contact the organisation to learn more about the role.
Prospective volunteers should contact Jane Evison for more information by calling 07815 489682 or by emailing jane.evison@eyct.co.uk.
Residents who need to book the medical transport service can reach the booking line on 01482 868082.
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