Our next event is our
COFFEE MORNING with Bring & Buy,
Sat 17th Mar 10.30am to 12 noon
at Boscombe Social Club, Boscombe Village SP4 0AB. Contact 01980 611117 or www.bournevalleylink.org.uk
You're very welcome - we hope to see you there
BOURNE VALLEY LINK SCHEME SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER from Peter Smith
Further Change to the Co-ordinator Team
We have yet more news of changes within our Co-ordinator Team. Last month we said goodbye to Leslie Penn, one of our volunteer co- ordinators, and we were again in the position of badly needing to find a replacement. We’ve been so fortunate in swiftly finding yet another volunteer in the person of Diana Hendry.
Like Chris Donaldson she has been quick to come on-board and has already completed her training. So as we move into the summer holiday season, we have been very lucky to have Diana along with Chris to provide our co-ordinator cover. Between them they will be available to organise transport for clients from mid-July to the end of August. I’m sure you would like to join me in wishing them both a
massive welcome and good luck.
Volunteers’ Training Lunch – 14 June
This June, the BVLS Committee decided to hold our first training event for our stalwart volunteers.
This first Volunteers’ Training Lunch was held at the Black Horse pub in Hurdcott and was a welcome occasion for the committee to brief and update the volunteers and thank them for all their good services. It was also a great opportunity for them to get to know each other and compare notes.
Peter Smith
Our volunteers provide neighbourly services to those in need, particularly the elderly and those living alone or without means of transport within the Bourne Valley Parishes of Cholderton, Newton Tony, Allington, Idmiston and Winterbourne.
These include visits to hospitals, GPs, dental surgeries, hairdressers, etc., plus social needs such as visits to friends and relatives, shopping and joining you
for a cuppa and a chat. The Scheme is a registered charity, volunteers receive expenses only and users are asked to make a donation in a sealed envelope (according to their means). To use the Scheme please ring the Co-ordinator on 01980 611117. If you would like to be a volunteer, provide practical help and meet some wonderful people, please also ring the Coordinator. The Link number is 01980 611117
Bookings taken Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Answerphone in use during evenings and weekends
If at all possible, please give us a minimum of 48 hours notice before an appointment
Information about our Scheme
Where
The Bourne Valley Link Scheme covers the villages of Cholderton, Allington, Boscombe, Newton Tony, Idmiston, Porton, Gomeldon, Winterbourne Gunner, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Winterbourne Earls & Hurdcott situated in the valley of the River Bourne, between 5 and 15 miles north east of Salisbury in Wiltshire, UK. What
Link schemes are community based initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged, elderly or infirm people by providing a structured good neighbour service delivered by volunteers from within the local community.
Why
Link schemes provide a free and confidential support service to enable those without access to transport or support resources to access local services and facilities. The service is provided by volunteers using their own
cars. The range of Link Scheme services varies from providing volunteer drivers to take someone to a medical appointment, taking them shopping or to visit an old friend, or simply providing good neighbour care. The Link Service aims to complement the provision of other services, whether statutory or voluntary.
How
Each Link Scheme is run by a group of local volunteers managed by a local Link Co- ordinator. Users wishing to use the scheme simply call their local co- ordinator who will then arrange for a volunteer to carry out the task.
Payment
There is no charge but each Link Scheme depends on anonymous donations from its users to help run the service. Our volunteer drivers are unpaid, but receive a payment based on the mileage they cover.
There are 44 Link Schemes established in Wiltshire & Swindon providing Good Neighbour support for those in need in rural communities.
To contact the Co-ordinator for the
Bourne Valley Link Scheme, phone 01980 611117
Bookings taken Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Answerphone in use during evenings and weekends
If at all possible, please give us a minimum of 48 hours notice before an appointment