Support for volunteer drivers

The awards were established back in 2014 to celebrate individuals who volunteer their time to provide transport for their communities. This gives some of the most vulnerable people access to health and social care services. 

The event is supported by a wide range of public, voluntary and commercial sector organisations and reflects the objectives of the Grampian-wide Health and Transport Action Plan (HTAP) “for everyone in the region to be able to access the health and social care they need and if transport is required for this to be appropriate, convenient and affordable”.

The awards are supported by: 

 

• Aberdeen City Council

• Aberdeenshire Council

• Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations

• Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action

• Community Transport Association Scotland

• First Aberdeen

• Moray Council

• Nestrans

• NHS Grampian

• Scottish Ambulance Service

• Stagecoach North Scotland

• tsiMoray 

 

There are three categories: Volunteer Driver of the Year, Volunteer Escort of the Year and Community Contribution of the Year, with each winner taking home the prize of a £200 high street voucher kindly sponsored by First Aberdeen and Stagecoach North Scotland.  

Andrew Stewart, HTAP Programme Manager, said, “It is very positive to be able to again promote the important contribution made by volunteers within the transport sector and in enabling people to access services and remain active participants in society.  The awards allow the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of working in partnership as demand on all services will continue to rise in a context of a challenging financial climate.” 

Daniel Laird, Commercial Manager, First Aberdeen said, “Access to healthcare and local facilities is a key issue for many members of the community. It’s important to acknowledge those who give up their time to help through volunteering with community transport services.” 

Steve Walker, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland said: “Volunteer drivers and escorts provide a life-line to many people in our community. Community transport plays an important part in ensuring that all areas in Grampian can attend health and social care services easily.” 

Nominations are open now, and you can nominate online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/volunteertransportawards16. Hard copies of the form are available by calling 01224 665578. Nominations will close on the 9th September 2016 followed by an awards presentation on 5th October.