Originally set up by Georgina Aylward, Sarah King and a few other community-minded volunteers, the Scheme was re- launched in June 2023 to expand both its volunteer base and the number of Villagers it assists and to make it compliant with up to date requirements for schemes of this kind.
Run by a small band of Hambledonians, HGNS is there to help local residents and is essentially a community car scheme for those in need. HGNS volunteer Mary Grove says “the scheme is really to fill the gap in local public transport for those who live in Hambledon who don’t drive and would otherwise find it difficult to get to medical appointments. Having local drivers who you know and can rely on means one less worry.”
The scheme was set up with a generous grant from the Village Festival Committee to meet its initial costs. Ongoing, it aims to be self-funding and non-profit making. Clients may wish to make a small voluntary contribution to help meet the Scheme’s costs.
HGNS would welcome new volunteers to join the roster of helpers. There are essentially two roles. Administrators, who monitor and respond to the HGNS mobile answerphone system, allocating the trips to drivers and then confirming the details back to the clients. This role is not onerous, can be managed from home or remotely and is rotated on a weekly basis. Volunteer drivers with their own car who can dedicate their time travelling to and waiting at appointments. Motor expenses and any parking costs incurred are reimbursable.
If you would like to help HGNS in either or both of these volunteer roles
or
you need transport to a medical appointment
then please ring the HGNS Helpline number 07400 839471 and wait for the recorded message.