By Rosa Smith

A Cheltenham based charity that provides life enhancing door-to-door transport for the elderly and disabled is calling for more desperately needed volunteers to help meet the demand for their services.

Community Connexions is a county wide charity, operating around the areas of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury Borough, Cotswold and Stroud Districts.

The charity foremostly plays an important role in enabling vulnerable people - such as the disabled and elderly - who have limited means of transport, to attend vital doctors and hospital appointments. However it also brings a sense of independence and freedom, offering services to enable engagement in the community, visit relatives and friends, and buy essential shopping.

Paul Riddick, CEO of Community Connexions said “We provide extensive accessible transport services across the county with the help of our drivers, many of whom are volunteers. Our small staff team concentrate their time and efforts ensuring the continuity of front line services.”

Recently the charity has started offering an enhanced service provision, which has been met with great enthusiasm by many communities across the area. This also means that the service requires more volunteers than ever in order to keep up with demand for community transport.

Community Connexions are asking for people to join the Friends of Community Connexions group in order to work alongside the office staff and trustees to help raise funds and keep the service running. They are looking for people across all the areas covered.

The charity has said that: “Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they wish. We are looking for people to bring their skills, experience and ideas to help us in whichever way suits them.”

If you are considering volunteering, further information about the charity can be found on their website www.communityconnexions.org.uk or call 0845 680 5029