The Voluntary Care Group seeks to support the elderly people of Swanmore, especially if they are unwell, by providing transport to and from hospital appointments, doctors’ surgeries, or to collect prescriptions and the like. The Care Group Co-ordinators answer calls and then contact volunteer drivers to meet requests. Most of this work is for those who either have no transport of their own, or who are not able to use buses.

The Lunch Club meets every Wednesday in the Portal Room at the Village Hall, where a group of volunteers, working under the auspices of the Voluntary Care Group, provides a delicious hot meal for about thirty elderly residents of the village. The Club provides a golden opportunity to get out of the house and meet others, to eat a substantial meal and enjoy a break from routine. In fact, it is a happy occasion for all – members and helpers alike. Three paid cooks take it in turn to prepare the meals, but everyone else is a volunteer, serving on a rota once or twice a month. Volunteer drivers provide transport to and from the Hall, some regularly, others from time to time as need arises.

 There is a shortage of volunteer drivers (who may be re-imbursed for the cost of their petrol), so offers of help as well as requests for help are always welcome.

 The current Care Group Co-ordinators’ telephone numbers (called Help Numbers) are listed under Parish Organisations near the front of the Parish Magazine.

 General enquiries (not requests for transport) to:

Mrs Marlene King         01489 892581