David Wootten, Fundraising and Development manager for VASA told Warwick Rotarians about the work of this small charity based in Stratford.
VASA (Voluntary Action Stratford on Avon) provides a community volunteer transport scheme across Stratford, Warwick, Leamington & Rugby helping people get to their health appointments, and access community facilities helping to reduce their isolation. It provides a lifeline for people in need and makes a big impact in local communities and is now the largest community transport scheme in the Midlands organising 15,000 trips a year.
Based around a bank of volunteer drivers, anyone can call up and arrange a “trip” to hospital, a lunch group, or important family event. The cost is an arrangement fee of £3 plus 45 pence a mile which goes to the driver to cover their expenses. This is most useful for people – not just the elderly – to get to a health appointment when they may be unable to drive. The driver will wait, help take the person in and wait to return them home. .
VASA also has a number of memory clubs for those living with dementia, and carers groups across the area and can offer wheelchair loans. Take a look at their website, www.vasa.org.uk, if you would like to know more or offer your services. Even if you are housebound you could help book the rides and support the small number of permanent staff.
President Keith Talbot gave David a cheque towards the charity and wished them well.
