WELLS Rotary has formally handed over the minibus that it has procured to help Heads Up extend its outreach service across the local community.
Fundraising for the project was supported by a number of local businesses with Charlie Bigham’s and the CPNA (Community Practicing Nursing Association) charity taking the lead role.
The branding for the new minibus reflects the support given by local businesses: amongst those recognised are Burns the Bread, Chubb Bulleid, CBS Precast, Harris & Harris, The Crown at Wells, D B Paul, Wolf Barbers, Brownes Garden Centre, Old Mill Accountants, Wells Chiropractic, Stuarts Residential and Cooper and Tanner.
Heads Up, the local mental health and wellbeing charity, is based in South Horrington. Commenting on the need, Service Director Bridget Harvey said: “Our ambition is to provide transport for clients who otherwise cannot get to our centre. There is no community transport, bus services are being cut, and some people, who would like to get to Heads Up for its therapeutic workshops and dementia services, are unable to do so. Our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of Wells Rotary go to all of the individuals involved in making the project such a success.”
President Alan Webb of Wells Rotary Club said: “Led by Wells Rotary Club this project has been a tremendous effort from across the community. The level of sponsorship and support we received at the various fundraising events we organised was truly amazing. Together we can be proud of having made a real difference to the lives of others in our community.”
When the outreach service is fully running it is hoped that the route covered will extend from Wells to the Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet, Evercreech, Cheddar and Axebridge areas. The minibus will be able to hold 12 people – a volunteer driver, a helper, and ten clients.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer driver, contact Jane Coombes at Heads Up. Email janec@headsupsomerset.org.uk or call 01749 670667. No previous experience of driving a minibus is required as full training will be given, but a full driving licence is necessary. Drivers are being asked to cover a three-hour round trip once or twice a month with plenty of flexibility in scheduling the roster.