Car service wants to continue help

A group of volunteers who for 30 years have been offering low-cost travel for those that need it most in the district are currently looking to pick up prescriptions and essentials for those self-isolating.

On a normal week The South Holland Parish Voluntary Car Service would help around 100 people get to locations like the shops or hospitals from nine parishes who have signed up for the scheme.

The journeys are carried out thanks to the 65 volunteers who are all vetted by Lincolnshire County Council and DBS checked and charge only what the cost of the journey is.

With the COVID-19 outbreak however, the organisation’s phone lines have suddenly become much quieter but the volunteers would still like to help out as much as possible.

Not only do they still have the majority of the vehicles on call, including some especially adapted for wheelchair users, but they’re willing to help out with shopping or picking up medication.

The South Holland Parish Voluntary Car Service itself has been running for 30 years, nine of which Sharon Kazombiaze, of Long Sutton, has been involved.

“We provide the service to help those that need it most get around and they do that for a whole number of reasons,” said Sharon, who is the area co-ordinator. “But a number of those we’d normally help out are over 70s or currently self-isolating because of their health problems.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of volunteer drivers who are ready to be called up at short notice and provide the help that’s needed.”

Sharon herself is also looking to help others.

“I am willing to go to the shops for people in my local area,” she said. “I will go and try and buy for them especially given have experienced low stock in Long Sutton Co-Op. Or, if they need prescriptions delivered, I am willing to do so.”

The areas covered are: Crowland (Mrs Stanhope) 01733 211797, Holbeach (Mrs Venni) 01406 422791, Long Sutton/Gedney/Sutton St James/Lutton (Sharon) 01406 366820, Pinchbeck (Hilary Marks, Mon-Fri 10am to 2pm) 01775 766171, Sutton Bridge (Mrs J Starkey) 01406 364338, Spalding/Cowbit (Mrs I Landen 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm) 01775 766085, Moulton/Whaplode/Weston (Mrs P Preston) 01775 719290.