Bournemouth community cars

Community cars can help anyone in the area who cannot use public transport but still need to get out and about. It’s a kind, caring and compassionate service which gives a safe and helping hand.

The service is run with a team of volunteer drivers. They use their own cars to go out into the community and help members with everyday needs. These can include a visit to a local GP, a trip to a friendship group, even the hairdressers. Costs are calculated per mile - which is calculated from the driver’s home. All Community Car drivers are CRB checked.

A wheelchair accessible vehicle can be booked (subject to availability) for passengers who need to travel with their wheelchair at a slightly higher charge.

Telephone 01202 309 433 (booking line open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday) or visit the Sedcat website.

Poole Community Transport Voluntary Car Scheme

Voluntary drivers are available for journeys to GP and dental appointments, social groups and other essential journeys. We are not able to provide drivers to appointments at Bournemouth or Poole Hospitals. Volunteers drive their own cars and have all had a DBS check.

A wheelchair adapted Citroen Berlingo is available with a voluntary driver if you need to travel seated in your wheelchair. Please note that availability is limited, and wheelchairs must be assessed before you travel.

The scheme is available to Poole residents who:

• have no access to a car
• qualify for an older person's or disabled person's bus pass
• have difficulty accessing public transport

Paying for the service

Annual membership is £10. For each trip, the charge is £4.50 for the first five miles, and £1 per mile after the first five miles.

Hiring a vehicle

If you need to travel seated in your wheelchair, an adapted Citroen Berlingo is available for friends and family to hire.

Drivers need to attend a training session to enable them to book the vehicle out and drive it themselves.

There is a flat rate charge to the member of 45p a mile, with no additional hire costs. The wheelchair must be assessed to check that it is safe for occupied transport before use.

For further information please contact Poole Community Transport Service on 01202 128200.

Christchurch Hospital Hop

This service can be booked for a one-off appointment without incurring the membership fee.

Kind, caring drivers will provide extra help and wheelchair assistance to get people safely to their appointment and back home again.

Bookings must be made in advance on 01202 309 433 with the relevant fare paid to driver.

Some costs may be refundable by the NHS.

For more information about help with healthcare costs call 0300 330 1343.