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Storrington Area Help Scheme – become a volunteer

What is it?
A group of volunteers who use their own car to transport to and from medical appointments.

Who is eligible to get help?
Anyone who has no other means of getting to a medical appointment.

How can I get help?
Phone the office 01903 742124 between 10am and 12 noon, on weekdays. Please give as much notice as possible, and preferably at least 48 hours.

How much does it cost?
There is no fixed charge, but a realistic donation towards the cost of the service is appreciated. We reimburse our drivers at 50p per mile.

How far do you travel?
We drive to all the hospitals in West Sussex, and occasionally as far away as Portsmouth and Southampton, as well as all the local surgeries; doctors, dentists, chiropodists, opticians etc.

How many drivers do you have?
Currently the pool of volunteer drivers is diminishing: we have 30 drivers living in Storrington, and a few others who live in West Chiltington, Washington and Ashington.

Who can be a driver?
If you hold a clean driving licence and have comprehensive insurance, the Co-ordinator would love to hear from you. A mileage allowance of 50p per mile (the approved rate by Revenue & Customs) is paid.

How often would I have to drive?
No regular commitment is required. You are contacted from the office and asked to undertake a specific journey. If you are not at home when they ring, they move on to someone else. And you can always say no if it is not convenient. The majority of the drivers do, on average, one job per week, although there are some who are very willing and do more. It is up to you. During 2009 the office, which is in a room within Trinity Methodist Church, received 1345 requests from 270 different clients, covering 21,176 miles.

Do you ever decline a request?
Very occasionally, due to a shortage of drivers we have had to decline a request. We do not wish to see a service which has been in existence for more than 35 years deteriorate or fold.

So please can you help by volunteering?
Phone 01903 742124 – A First Class Event!