Rushcliffe Voluntary Transport Scheme

8th May 2025- Rushcliffe Voluntary Transport Scheme –– Louise Casey and Su Hallam

Louise informed us that there had been changes in that Rushcliffe has now combined with Broxtowe, Gedling and Newark and Sherwood V Ss under the banner of “Your CVS” – together we improve lives. Their Voluntary Centre connects people with meaningful opportunities, with Louise as CEO and Su as Volunteer Manager.  It’s mainly for residents who struggle to access or use public transport.  Journeys can be arranged to visit friends, community Social Events, medical appointments or shopping. They had collaborated with Nottingham Trent University in some research, which came up with this very impactful comment: “Loneliness kills as many people as smoking!” Community Development are trying to build a strong and sustainable voluntary sector that helps forming a a valuable Community Network. They offer quarterly events, so that ‘good practice’ can be shared via community engagement, so that people can have a say on how services are planned (particularly the NHS) There are a number of partnerships: School uniform club; weight management sessions; seated exercise sessions, hopefully breaking down barriers and offering a ‘Butterfly service’ : part of ‘End of Life’ care and ‘Together Services’ that are provided across Nottinghamshire; non clinical care placing is an important role.  Best Years 765 has been established to ensure that everyone should be able to enjoy their ‘best years’ when and where they need it (960 people this current year) They encouraged members to volunteer any time they could offer by ringing 01636 679539 or emailing: info@yourcvsnotts.org  There is not much ‘grant funding these days by the NHS or Notts County Council and the ICB (Integrated Care Board)

Su then took up the presentation, outlining that she became a volunteer in 1986 and now there are 114 new organisations in 2025, but she had a plea for more drivers, even offering just one hour. She mentioned her own experience of driving from Edwinstowe to Keyworth for a VE celebration, delivering a 97-year-old lady, describing the joy it had given the lady and the benefit she had experienced herself. They operate a County Forum and despite the political landscape changing, they still receive about 40% grant funding, mainly from the National lottery. She thanked the Club for our donation and hoped there may be some future volunteering.

Jim proposed the vote of thanks commenting on the effort and enthusiasm that the pair had put into their presentation, thanking them for their explanations about their services, probably similar to Rotary in trying to improve awareness and what is available and possible, receiving an appreciative round of applause from members           .              AR