Hands Rochester
Volunteer Bureau

5A New Road Avenue
Rochester
Kent
ME4 6BB

Tel. 01634 830371

E-mail:
rochestervb@pcihosting.co.uk

Charity Number 284288


Wouldn’t you find it a lot easier to get to your hospital appointment if you had someone to give you a lift, wait for you and bring you home again?

Our transport scheme is for use by anyone aged 75 years and over who is unable to use public transport due to mobility problems, or have a friend/relative provide transport. Those people aged less than 75 years may also be able to use the service if they are registered disabled or have a serious health problem which limits their mobility. The scheme enables people to attend essential appointments at hospitals, GPs/clinics, or other important medical appointments.

Please note that some people with certain health problems will be required to provide their own escort, who will accompany them and take responsibility for them whilst travelling. Please contact the office for more details.

Hands transport scheme will take the worry away from you. You will be taken by car to your destination by one of our drivers who will wait to bring you back home safely to your front door, unless you are likely to be a very long time - in which case the driver will go home and come back again (this will be costed as a double journey).
  • HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
All our drivers are volunteers and use their own cars. You will only be charged for their petrol expenses plus a little for our office administration.
  • THESE COSTS ARE CURRENTLY:
40p per mile measured to and from the driver’s home, plus £1.50 per journey towards our administration costs. Any parking fees, or congestion charges must also be reimbursed to our drivers at the time of the journey.
  • HOW MUCH NOTICE SHOULD I GIVE?
At least 3 working days notice is needed for us to contact our drivers and organise things for you.
We cannot take requests more than 6 weeks in advance.
  • WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Please give as much notice as possible, so that we may use the driver for another journey if applicable.

WE WILL NEED TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING WHEN YOU PHONE
  • Do you have anyone else who can take you on your journey?
  • Your date of birth.
  • Will you be accompanied?
  • Can you get in and out of a car unaided?    
  • Do you use a wheelchair, frame, or walking stick etc?
  • Do you have any sight or hearing problems?
  • Do you hold a Disabled Parking badge?
  • Are you on income support or other benefits?
  • Any other relevant information.
Please do not ask the driver to do any additional journeys. These must be arranged through our office in order to comply with insurance regulations.

If you would like to book a journey or would like to discuss the scheme further with us, please do not hesitate to call the Hands office during the following hours; We are available to take requests for transport:

Monday to Friday
9.30am – 12.30pm
Call us on 01634 830371