Tunbridge Wells Transport Service

“We all like to think we’ve made a difference don’t we? Well I know I have.” For Lorraine Ash, volunteering with the Community Car Service is an opportunity to support her community.

The transport service provides door-to-door car rides for people with mobility issues who cannot access public transportation for any reason, whether for physical disability or learning difficulties. It was created by the Tunbridge Wells Volunteer Bureau in response to the lack of mobility in rural areas surrounding Tunbridge and Wells.

The organisation operates with 50 volunteer drivers and 7 office staff. Founded in 1992, they are now proud to be accepted as one of Tunbridge, Wells and Maidstone NHS preferred trusted partners.

The aim is to provide transportation that is reliable, stress-free and affordable. Without the community car service a lot of people would have extreme difficulty reaching these destinations or could not afford it.

The Community Car Service makes daily journeys to day centres and clinics, dentist and doctor appointments, and brings children to special schools. The service has been able to reduce the number of wasted missed appointments at local hospitals and clinics to allow them to operate more efficiently. Medical need is the priority but volunteers are willing to help people in whatever way possible. They take people to the supermarket for shopping and have even been known to take cats and dogs to the vet.

In thank you letters, service users highlight the considerate and kind nature of volunteers. They act as more than just drivers, assisting people in whatever way they can. For service users, the friendly conversation and assistance unlocking the front door or collecting the post can mean almost as much as the transportation.

The Community Car Servicewas a member of Attend for several years

Created 2012. Updated 2021

The Community Car Service former members of Attend.  For more information, or to join, please click here.