A Bristol charity which provides transport for elderly and vulnerable individuals has issued an appeal for part-time drivers.
The Out n' About project, run by Disabled Travel Services since January 2018, provides door-to-door transport for more than 300 residents across Bristol.
Many residents rely on the service for vital trips to the hospital, to pick up medication and to see loved ones, with journeys from Bristol to anywhere in mainland UK also available.
The scheme was set up to combat the isolation and loneliness many elderly and disabled residents feel, and increase their involvement in the community.
However the charity, based in Staple Hill Road in Fishponds, has been forced to limit the service due to a lack of "empathetic" drivers.
Martyn Hancock, volunteer director and company secretary, said: "The project has developed and increased the number of members accessing and using the service since it started on January 1, 2018.
"The project helps to eradicate isolation for individuals who have mental health and/or learning difficulties who would otherwise stay where they live.
"However, we are having difficulty recruiting empathetic part time drivers for the Out ‘n About transport service.
"Despite every effort, the charity has conceded it has to limit the service provision and cannot consider helping more disabled elderly individuals to improve their wellbeing and health.
"The trustees have decided to raise the profile to try and get the message across that we need drivers who want to help vulnerable elderly individuals and contribute to improving their quality of life."
He went on to say drivers need to be empathetic and offer support and assistance to passengers.
As well as having good knowledge of Bristol and the South West drivers must be patient enough to provide the support their passengers need.
Mr Hancock said: "He or she must be able to provide a stress free and enjoyable transporting service for vulnerable disabled persons of any age and ethnic community with full concentration and awareness. Drivers take charge of the health and safety of members whilst travelling with us.
The driver needs to fully understand and accept the needs and worries of vulnerable members being transporting and be willing to give time, support( an arm to lean on etc.) and assistance to and from the locations without showing any concern of time or delay. Disabled and vulnerable persons must be given time to do things.”
Anyone who is interested in becoming a part-time driver for the charity is asked to email projects@eastbristoladvice.org.uk.
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