January 23rd, 2019.


Volunteer car driver schemes enable registered passengers to get about with ease, convenience and peace of mind - allowing them to retain independence while reducing social isolation. The schemes are designed for people who find it difficult to use public transport, but only a handful exist in East Sussex, with no major provision covering the Havens coastal stretch between Saltdean and Seaford.

The Havens Community Hub, a not-for-profit organisation created to support and create community groups and projects, is launching Havens Community Cars in January 2020, with support from local crowdfunding and the National Lottery Awards For All scheme. The scheme has a page on the Lewes District Lottery, where people can win up to £25,000 each week with a £1 ticket and 60% of the purchase price goes to local good causes.

Registered charity Havens Community Cars (HCC) will be recruiting drivers who can volunteer a small amount of time each week to drive people who are not already being supported by other providers to healthcare appointments, shopping, socialising, training, volunteering and more.

Chair of Trustees, Paula Woolven, explained: "There is a proven need for a community car scheme serving the Havens area to transport people to places like Brighton, Eastbourne or even Haywards Heath hospitals. These and other areas are not already served by existing providers. I'm very excited that this scheme is going ahead and would like to thank all those supporting us with our new charity."

The scheme will be recruiting and training volunteer drivers in January and February, and hoping to go live with the service for passengers in March/April 2020.

To find out more email havenscommcar@gmail.com

To support the lottery fundraising page visit www.leweslocallottery.co.uk/support/havens-community-cars