A HISTORIC Romsey group has launched an appeal for new volunteers.

Romsey Good Neighbours has called for more drivers and office co-ordinators to help take vulnerable residents to medical appointments.

Founded 40 years ago, the group is currently experiencing a shortage of staff which is threatening to stop it from carrying out its work.

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Elizabeth Evans (Image: Colin Burgess) In a statement, the group said: "Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of dozens of senior residents in Romsey, Ampfield and Braishfield needing a friendly face to take them to their medical appointments both locally and further afield?

"Then Romsey Good Neighbours would love to hear from you."

For almost the first time in its history, the group is having to turn down requests because it does not have sufficient drivers.

Highlighting the crisis, Pam Leech, one of their trustees, said: “Turning away those clients with both financial and mobility issues due to the non-availability of a volunteer driver is particularly upsetting, especially when many clients find walking any great distance a challenge.”

Pam added: “During October alone, co-ordinators had to decline 35 bookings because of a lack of drivers.”

The consequences, as Pam explained, are as follows: “Instead of paying , for example, a contribution of £4 to our driver for a return journey to Southampton General Hospital, clients potentially face upwards of a whopping £40 return taxi fare.” 

She added: “We know many are already struggling financially.”

This much-lauded organisation currently has 42 drivers and ideally needs to have a minimum of 60 drivers to fulfil the growing pressures on its service.  

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Drivers are not expected to do any lifting or handling because all clients have sufficient independence to get in and out of vehicles. Volunteers don’t need to have any medical training, and the physical demands of the job are quite light.

Clients are enthusiastic about the service.  

Local resident, Elizabeth Evans said: “This is an amazing service, and I am so grateful to the drivers who not only give up their time but have detailed knowledge of alternative routes to appointments when the traffic is really bad and understand the parking constraints too.”

To find out more about Romsey Good Neighbours visit romsey-good-neighbours.org.uk, email romseygoodneighbours@gmail. com  or telephone 01794 514854.