I work for Community First and we are the supporting body for the 43 Link schemes that run throughout Wiltshire. As I am sure you know Link Schemes are voluntary groups which offer a transport and good neighbour service to local people who are in need, perhaps because they are elderly, disabled, isolated and lonely, single parents, or perhaps temporarily in need because of illness.

These essential services provide a safety net for those unable to access services in other ways. Link Schemes aim to complement other services, statutory and voluntary.

Link Schemes operate as small, independent charitable organisations and all volunteers use their own private vehicles. (Insurance and DBS checks are carried out).

To give you an idea of the level of support The Link Schemes offer, last year they made 31,351 health related journeys and completed 48,027 good neighbour tasks which incorporate collecting prescription’s and shopping.

Due to Covid 19, the Link schemes have found themselves suffering from a large number of volunteers being unable to drive because of age and or vulnerability.

We desperately need your support in promoting our recruitment drive to find new volunteers across Wiltshire to keep this vital service going in these times.

Therefore, I wonder if you would be kind enough to share the attached flyer with anyone in your parish – we have had a good response from other parish councils, community groups and churches who have found they got involved with volunteering during the Covid 19 lock down and that now that the lockdown has started to be lifted they would like to still help and be active in their communities. The Link Scheme is a great way for them to be involved.

Thank you and
Kind regards
Samantha Lloyd
Link Development Officer
Community First | Social Action Hub (Wiltshire + Swindon)