About our Services
The Calne & District Link Scheme is a volunteer organisation offering help and assistance for those in need in the SN11 postcode area. Our Scheme is funded by donations and we are grateful for all donations received
Mission Statement
Wiltshire Link Schemes believe that local communities and volunteers can have a positive impact in maintaining the unique quality of life in rural areas.
Declining services and an increase in the population of older people and others who need support, leave many people vulnerable and unable to access essential services and social activities that enable them to maintain an independent and enjoyable lifestyle.
Link Schemes draw on goodwill in communities to provide a voluntary good neighbour service, assisting to fill this gap. Volunteering has many benefits for individuals and communities and vulnerable residents receive a much-valued service.
Link Schemes provide a friendly, confidential service welcoming donations from their users. All donations are used in the provision of the service which is run entirely by volunteers.
Call: 07715 587604
09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and Friday 09:00 to 16:30.
Our services may be booked outside of these hours and at weekends, depending on volunteer availability. We require 48 hours’ notice but, depending on our volunteers’ availability, we will try to help out when shorter notice is given.
The Link coordinator is happy to receive enquiries from clients personally, or on their behalf through their Doctors, Nurses, Social Services, friends or relatives.
Please note, our service is dependent on volunteer availability and we may need to prioritise medical journeys for the most vulnerable in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Calne & District Link Scheme?
The Calne & District Link Scheme is a voluntary organisation offering help and assistance for those is need in the SN11 postcode area. The scheme is funded by donations and we are grateful for all donations received.
Our telephone line (07715 587604) is open: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Friday 09:00 to 16:30. We can offer pre-booked services outside of these hours, including at weekends.
What areas do you cover?
We offer our services to people living in the SN11 postcode area.
We can provide transport to appointments at local doctors' surgeries, opticians and dentists as well as at other health-related locations. We also travel further afield, to destinations such as hospitals, within a 60-mile radius of Calne Town Hall.
Other Link Schemes
There are approximately 40 Link Schemes across Wiltshire and Swindon. If you live outside the area covered by our service, please visit the Community First Link Schemes and Community Transport Directory to find your local transport service.
Is there a cost to use your services?
There is no set charge for our services, but we do invite clients to make a donation towards the cost of running the Calne & District Link Scheme. Cash or cheque donations can be left in the envelope given by your driver or volunteer. If you wish to make a donation by bank transfer, please ask our coordinator for details. Cheques should be made payable to Calne & District Link Scheme. A list of suggested donations is available on request.
How can I book your services?
You can call our number 07715 587604 or place a request on this website via the Contact Us page. You can make a call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
Our telephone line is open: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Friday 09:00 to 16:30. We can offer pre-booked appointments outside of these hours, including at weekends.
What is the Help at Home Volunteer service?
With the Help at Home Volunteer service, a volunteer will visit a client in their own home, to provide respite care (such as reading to or sitting with the client). This is to provide respite for the client and/or their loved ones or carers.
Are you looking for volunteers?
Yes. The Calne & District Link Scheme could not operate without the support of our volunteers, committee members and coordinators. Covid-19 has impacted upon our service delivery, both in terms of volunteer numbers and demand for transport.
To find out more about volunteering with Calne & District Link Scheme, please visit our volunteering page and then fill in our volunteer enquiry form.
Please note, all prospective volunteers will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Application.
Are your services only for medical trips?
We can provide transport for medical trips to local doctors surgeries, dentists and hospitals. We also travel to destinations within a 60-mile radius of Calne Town Hall.
We can offer transport for social visits and activities e.g. to lunch clubs, but may need to prioritise essential medical trips for the most vulnerable, depending on volunteer capacity and availability.
We also offer a sitting service for clients to provide respite for their loved ones or carers.
Are you still taking Covid-19 precautions?
As at March 2023. Whilst Government Covid-19 mandates have now come to an end in England, the Calne & District Link Scheme remains cautious in protecting volunteers and the most vulnerable in our community.
Volunteer drivers may wear a face covering; they may request that our clients do likewise and practise good hand hygiene. We are no longer asking clients to travel in the rear of cars.
Can anyone in your area use your services?
The Calne & District Link Scheme provides a 'Good Neighbour' service to those in need in our local communities. Each request will be considered by the Link coordinator. It is often necessary for coordinators to prioritise requests, normally journeys for medical appointments are given priority and any request accepted is subject to volunteer availability.
The service is not restricted to a particular age group or those with a physical or mental infirmity. However, due to DBS limitations, volunteers are unable to transport passengers under 12 years of age. Passengers between 12 and 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Can you carry mobility aids?
We can usually carry most small or folding mobility aids such as walking sticks, crutches, walking frames and rollators. We cannot carry fixed wheelchairs. Please let us know what you have when you contact us.
