A team of volunteers are giving their time to people in Burnley who may struggle to get to hospital appointments, or just feel cut off at home.

Communicars is a community car scheme run by the Burnley Pendle and Rossendale CVS and is available for anyone who needs a lift to essential health appointments, the hairdressers, warm spaces, community groups or even a quick trip to the shops, and also visiting family and friends. Drivers are local volunteers who give their time because they care about keeping Burnley moving and connected. Passengers make a small donation to cover costs – and often make a new friend along the way.

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Passengers must register first before using the service. Bookings must be made in advance (around five to seven days beforehand) so journeys can be arranged with volunteer drivers - as it is not a taxi service that can accommodate same day journeys. Communicars runs alongside the befriending service, a simple idea that makes a big difference. Volunteers make regular phone calls or visits to people who don’t see many others week to week – sometimes just for a chat, sometimes to check how things are going, or to share a brew and a smile. A short conversation can lift someone’s day and remind them they’re not on their own.