Transport
Voluntary Driving Scheme – Driving Force
Unfortunately Driving Force is suspended until further notice. In 2022, the service will instead be offered by the Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Car Service, who are urgently seeking driving volunteers. To register your interest in becoming a volunteer driver with the Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Car Service, please visit our Go Volunteer page.
Gosport Voluntary Action used to run a voluntary driving scheme, called Driving Force. This not-for-profit driving scheme was for older Gosport residents (55+) who:
- Cannot access public transport
- Are not entitled to Patient Transport
What did Driving Force help with?
- Attending medical appointments
- Attending social clubs and groups
- Visiting family and friends
How did Driving Force work?
All our drivers were volunteers who used their own cars, and were all Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.
Once a volunteer was registered with Driving Force, which was a free membership, we asked our client to give us 7 days’ notice of any anticipated appointments or trips. We would then endeavour to find a driver for our client, although we could not guarantee this. Our Driving Force Volunteer Co-ordinator would contact the client to confirm if we had been able to arrange a driver, who would then contact the client 48 hours before their trip.
How much did it cost?
Customers used to pay 45p per mile directly to the driver. This included the driver’s journey to the customer’s home, the ongoing journey, and return, if applicable. The customer also payed for any parking charges incurred. Signed receipts would be provided.
How to apply
When we ran this service, clients would contact our Driving Force Co-ordinator on 02392 583836, who would then send the client a Driving Force Membership application pack. If the client had any queries, we would ask them to contact us on 02392 583836, or email drivingforce@gva.org.uk
Love driving?
Whilst GVA’s Driving Force is no longer running, the soon-to-be-launched Fareham & Gosport Voluntary Car Service are urgently looking for volunteer drivers to join their team. If you are interested, please visit this webpage for more information.
Dial-a-Ride
Dial-a-Ride is an easy access, door-to-door transport service using adapted vehicles, equipped to carry passengers with or without wheelchairs. The service can be used by residents of the boroughs of Fareham and Gosport who have difficulty or discomfort in using public transport for any reason. For further information, please contact Community First on 01329 223151 or dialaride.farehamgosport@cfirst.org.uk or visit their website www.cfirst.org.uk.