Peterlee mum-of-four passes driving test through new scheme

Durham County Council's new Walkers to Drivers scheme will offer carers £15 towards each individual driving lesson and 50 per cent off their first theory and practical tests.

Donna Williams, mum-of-four and care worker for Comfort Care, from Peterlee was the first to sign up to the scheme and has since passed her theory and practical tests.

The scheme supports carers learning to drive and Ms Williams said it has saved her lots of time and given her more independence.

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Durham County Council (Image: Durham County Council)

"I absolutely love my job but the amount of walking was quite tiring, especially in the bad weather and dark nights," said Ms Williams.

“Without this scheme it would have taken me a lot longer to pass as I was able to take two lessons a week thanks to the money saved.

"It has really helped me in both my work and day-to-day home tasks. I'm a mother of four, so it's great not having to rely on public transport or family members to go shopping or for days out.

“I may not have even thought about doing it at all if I hadn't have heard of the scheme or been accepted on it."

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The scheme aims to increase the number of care workers driving and to help carers and the care home sector in County Durham to provide community-based care packages.

There are 12 learners on the scheme and two of those have now passed their driving test.

Local home care providers can volunteer staff who are currently unable to drive but would like to pass their test and help them in their care worker role.

Cllr Chris Hood, Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: "It is important that we look for innovative ways to support our local care providers.

"The project will help providers by increasing their capacity to support more of our residents.

“It also highlights our commitment to ensuring everyone in County Durham has access to the best possible care and we will continue to look for ways to support both providers and service users through the current pressures in the sector."

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