Christchurch Community partnership wants Volunteer 'Bus Buddies'

Christchurch Community Partnership is looking for volunteers to help people with learning difficulties or disabilities on bus journeys.

These 'bus buddies' would be available to meet the person needing help at a venue known to them, take them to their bus stop, onto the bus and then to their destination. They would also be available for the return journey.

Rob Griffith, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Community Partnership, said: "We would look to partner people up so that the volunteer meets and gets to know the person they would be helping before they go on any bus journeys. There will also be training available to the volunteers.

"The volunteers would not be out of pocket as they would not have to pay for the bus journeys.

"This scheme aims to give people with disabilities the opportunity to get out and about in safety and without them having any undue stress or worries. We are sure that the volunteers would enjoy spending time with their 'buddies' and get a lot of satisfaction out of helping them out."

Anyone wishing to volunteer or find out more about becoming a bus buddy should contact Rob Griffith at the Community Partnership by email r.griffith@christchurch.gov.uk or call Julia Whelan on 01202 495017.