A NUMBER of organisations across Ceredigion are in need of more volunteer drivers as services open back up following the lifting of pandemic lockdown restrictions.

The Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisation (CAVO) has launched a drive to ensure organisations across the county can recruit more drivers.

Ruth Evans, Volunteer Enabler at CAVO, said: “Since March 2020, when many organisations saw their services stop overnight, this had a massive impact on the lives of so many in Ceredigion. “Services are slowly opening back up and drivers are a vital part of getting individuals to their appointments or out of their homes for contact of any kind.

“Organisations have put procedures in place to ensure drivers and service users are as safe as possible during the journeys.

“People can offer their time to support others in their community by becoming a driver for one of a number of organisations.”

CAVO also supports Ceredigion County Council’s Social Services in recruiting and managing their volunteer drivers where people use their own car to take clients to a variety of appointments or social trips.

Robert Evans, Service co-ordinator at Royal Voluntary Service Country Cars said the service needs more drivers.

“Your gift of time to support people to and from home and destination helps our community and you can base your commitment around as much or little that you can manage,” he said.

Rod Bowen, of Dolen Teifi Community transport, said driving for a community transport organisation “can make a real difference to someone’s life.”

Dolen Teifi provides transport for those people who find it difficult to get out, or who don’t have a car and operates in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

“Your help can help to give someone independence and access to services that we as car owners take for granted,” he said.

Ellie Guiver, volunteer co-ordinator with Aberaeron-based RAY Ceredigion said the organisation is looking for a volunteer minibus driver once a month to transport young adults with disabilities to and from a social club held at RAY Ceredigion.

Lydia Nicholls, Office Manager at Ystwyth Transport said they are looking to increase their pool of drivers for the Bws Y Bryniau service which runs on a Thursday from Cwmystwyth to Aberystwyth.

“If you are able to spare an occasional Thursday to help people needing transport then we would love to hear from you,” she said.

To get more information on volunteering opportunities visit www.cavo.org.uk or www.volunteering-wales.net.