FOREST Routes is calling on volunteers to help residents who rely on community transport as part of their daily lives. 

The partnership is looking for drivers, escorts on buses, admin support and fundraisers to support the transport providers.

The lottery funded project, which aims to reduce the social and physical isolation in communities, launched its appeal to coincide with Volunteers Week, which started on Sunday.

Forest Routes is made up of four transport partners across the district, Bream Voluntary Car Service, Lydcare, Lydney Dial a Ride, and Newent Dial a Ride. The existing service depends greatly on the generosity and dedication of its volunteers in order to continue to operate. By offering reasonably priced fares and a door-to-door service, the partners are available to provide transport assistance to residents who need to get to medical appointments, visit local shops or attend social events.

Anna-Marie Hitchings, programme co-ordinator said: "We want to dispel the myth that community transport is just for the elderly or disabled. The fact is that anyone who does not have regular access to transport can use the service. The service is there for residents who rely on it because of their personal circumstances or due to an accident or injury.   "We're looking for residents who can use their skills and experience to volunteer as drivers, escorts on buses, admin support, trustees and fundraisers.

"Volunteering for a charity means different things to different people and volunteers regularly tell us how satisfying it is for them to be able to use some of their spare time for the benefit of such an important community service."

For more information contact Anna-Marie Hitchings on 01594 812613 or email [email protected]">[email protected]