A COMMUNITY transport provider is offering a ‘shop and drop’ service for individuals that can’t get out or organise online deliveries

Dial-A-Ride Denbighshire is offering support to individuals who are elderly, vulnerable or unable to access transport during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The transport provider, based in Rhyl, usually provides door-to-door transport for people of all ages who find it difficult or impossible to access conventional public transport.

The organisation is facing its own challenges, including having to furlough some staff members, but has stepped up and is offering the 'shop and drop' service - for free of charge - as well as collecting prescriptions and medical supplies.

These are delivered safely to individuals on the doorstep while adhering to the Government’s social distancing rules.

Beverley Mather, Dial-A-Ride Denbighshire manager, said: “Dial-A-Ride was born out of a community need for reliable transport, and during these challenging times, we want to be there for anybody that needs a helping hand.

"As a membership organisation, we are close to the communities we serve and have a good feel for what people need right now.We know that this is a frightening, isolating time for many people, particularly those with limited mobility or support networks. Whether it’s delivering food, medicine, or just being available for a chat, we are pulling out all the stops to help as many people as we can as quickly as we can.

“To keep our services running we usually make a small charge for journeys, so our income has virtually dried up overnight. But I firmly believe this is a time for everybody in the community to pull together and do what they can, and we are determined to do our bit.

"We hope by offering our transport and drivers to help get vital supplies to people when they need them the most, we can help people who can’t access transport and perhaps don’t have a support network."

The organisation is running a crowdfunder on its Facebook to help fund the services. More than £150 was raised on the first day.

Christine Boston, director of the Community Transport Association in Wales, said: “This is a fantastic example of the community transport sector rising to the challenge of the Coronavirus crisis through innovation, generosity and resilience.

"We are so inspired by the way Dial-A-Ride has stepped in to meet the needs of local communities in Denbighshire, demonstrating its commitment to the people it was established to serve.”

Anybody that needs help or is worried about a neighbour or relative can telephone 01745 344222 or visit www.dialaridedenbighshire.org