A Driver's Story

(A typical CommuniCARe trip)

Booking day

One of the CommuniCARe coordinators gives me a call to ask if I'm available for a run to Leighton next Tuesday afternoon. A quick check in my diary shows that we're out for lunch that day, so unfortunately not available. No problem, how about Macclesfield on Friday morning? I'm free that day, so the coordinator gives me all the details I need for the trip.

As soon as possible, I call the passenger and arrange a pick-up time. They're pleased to hear from me, and whilst on the phone I take the opportunity to see if they know how long the appointment may be and if there are any special needs - wheelchairs etc.

Journey day

On the day of the trip, I leave in plenty of time so nobody is rushed and put on my ID badge before picking up the passenger. I find that conversation normally flows easily and it's always interesting to meet new people - some have lived in Holmes Chapel for over 80 years and some have travelled the world. Engineers, carers, writers, carpenters, teachers...all with one thing in common - the need for support from the community at this particular time. Passengers often express their gratitude and say that they don't know how they would manage without CommuniCARe. Before we arrive at the hospital, I make sure we agree where we'll meet after the appointment - normally that's either in the clinic, café or pick up point.

When we arrive at the hospital I stop at the Drop Off point and see the passenger across the road and into the building. Here, help is available from the hospital volunteers who can take the passenger to the right department - by wheelchair if necessary - whilst I go and park the car.

After the appointment I bring the car back to the hospital entrance to collect the passenger before the journey home. When we arrive back at their home, I see them safely through the door and the trip is complete!