Andrew met with volunteers and Trustees of the West Sussex Minibus Association – a valuable community service running 11 minibuses in our villages – and for which he is proud to be a Vice-President.
The volunteers organise door-to-door services to take members out on shopping trips and special outings. Their work tackles directly one of the challenges of our time – the social isolation faced by too many.
For a modest membership fee of just £8 a year, members are kept informed of the programme of regular trips, with something happening on almost every day of the week. The outings include return trips to local shopping areas and garden centres, lunch clubs and scenic drives. These trips can be the highlight of a member’s week.
All of this is made possible by an army of 300 volunteers who do everything from administrating each of the minibus divisions, to driving the minibuses and escorting the trips. There are no paid members or office holders, and the Associations relies completely on donations and legacies to continue providing this valuable rural service.
Andrew said:
“Tackling the crisis of isolation – especially amongst the elderly in our rural areas – is something I care greatly about. This is why I am proud to be the vice-President of such a wonderful charitable organisation that is doing so much to tackle it.
“It was a pleasure to meet Gerry Toner, the Chairman, and some of the volunteers of the West Sussex Minibus Association to hear about the great work they are all doing.”
If you would like to use, or volunteer for, this brilliant organisation, please contact them through www.westsussexminibus.org.uk.
