This week, North Herts & Stevenage CVS is celebrating Community Transport Week, recognising the vital role of community transport services.

The celebration honours the dedicated efforts of staff, volunteer drivers, and coordinators who work tirelessly to provide essential transport for individuals facing mobility challenges or lacking access to conventional transport options.

The North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport Service plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable and isolated members of the community.

It offers a reliable, friendly, and affordable door-to-door service that serves as a lifeline for residents of all ages.

Passengers rely on this service for hospital visits, healthcare appointments, attendance at day centres, weekly clubs, and occasional social visits.

The service is widely recognised for promoting social inclusion, improving wellbeing, and enhancing the quality of life for its users.

Jon Brown, the award-winning transport manager of the North Herts & Stevenage CVS Community Transport Service, acknowledges the critical role of volunteer drivers in keeping the service running smoothly.

He said: "The service is completely dependent on a team of passionate Volunteer Drivers who generously give their time to ensure that those who need extra support can attend essential appointments.

"We are extremely grateful to the 70+ volunteers who support us."

As part of Community Transport Week, the service is highlighting the extraordinary contributions of its volunteers and raising awareness about the growing need for more support.

With an ageing population and increased social isolation, the demand for the service continues to rise.

The Community Transport team is actively seeking additional volunteer drivers to help meet these growing needs.

For those who enjoy driving and have some free time, the Volunteer Driver role offers a flexible opportunity to give back to the local community.

Volunteers can choose how much time they want to commit and have the chance to meet new people, all while providing a vital service.

As Jon Brown notes: "Being a Volunteer Driver is a wonderful and flexible way to support vulnerable people.

"Community transport helps create a more inclusive society, enabling everyone to participate fully in daily life, regardless of their circumstances.

"Volunteer Drivers frequently report how rewarding the role is and how grateful passengers are for the service."

To learn more about becoming a volunteer driver, visit the home of volunteering in Hertfordshire, GoVolHerts at www.govolherts.org.uk or email the Community Transport team at transport@nhcvs.org.uk where you can also ask any questions you may have about the service.

You can find out more by visiting www.nhcvstransport.org.uk or calling 01462 689402.