A volunteer car scheme has been launched in east Durham in an attempt to help elderly and disabled people access local health services.
The project covers the villages of Thornley, Wheatley Hill, Wingaate, Station Town and Hutton Henry.
Earlier research carried out for the Durham County Council-led East Durham Rural Transport Partnership, highlighted the difficulties faced by vulnerable residents in getting to health appointments.
The project aims to ease those difficulties and take away the reliance often placed on friends and family.
The scheme provides transport to GP surgeries and health clinics for people who are unable to use public transport.
All a patient needs to do is telephone the project co-ordinator with their appointment details and if available, a volunteer driver will take them to and from their appointment for a charge of £1.50.
The scheme is funded by the Countryside Agency and Help the Aged small grant programmes.
For information about joining the scheme contact Claire Armstrong at the Social Resource Centre on (01325) 304204.
The project is also appealing for volunteer drivers.
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