A new community initiative has launched in Dartford to help residents access vital healthcare services at reasonable cost. The Volunteer Transport Scheme Dartford is a 12-month pilot project, supported and subsidised by Dartford Borough Council and coordinated by the Healthy Living Centre Dartford.
The scheme provides a less costly volunteer-led transport service for residents aged 50 and over living within the Dartford Borough and experiencing difficulties using public transport due to health conditions, mobility issues, or where they live. The service is focused specifically on helping people with ongoing health conditions travel to medical appointments, ensuring residents can attend essential healthcare when they need it most. Friendly volunteers providing transport at a subsidised rate is intended to ease the burden of navigating treatment and care at an already worrying time.
By offering safe, reliable and affordable support, the scheme aims to reduce barriers to healthcare, tackle isolation, and give reassurance to residents who may otherwise struggle to attend appointments independently.
Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said:
“Access to healthcare should never depend on how easily someone can get from A to B. This volunteer transport scheme is a great example of partners coming together to remove barriers, support independence and ensure Dartford residents can attend vital medical appointments with confidence.”
Sharon Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Healthy Living Centre Dartford, said:
“This scheme fills a critical gap in our community transport network. It’s about ensuring that those who need help getting to medical appointments have a safe, reliable and friendly option. We’re proud to be working with volunteers and the Council to support residents’ health and wellbeing.”
The Volunteer Transport Scheme Dartford will run initially as a 12-month pilot, allowing partners to assess demand and impact, with a view to shaping future community transport support across the borough.
Residents who may benefit from the service, or those interested in volunteering as a driver, are encouraged to contact the Healthy Living Centre Dartford transport@hlcdartford.org.uk or 01322 470 926 for more information.
Would you like to become a volunteer driver?
The scheme is also seeking volunteer drivers — offering residents a rewarding opportunity to give back to their community and help neighbours reach essential medical appointments. For more information, please contact transport@hlcdartford.org.uk or call 01322 470 926.