There have been some necessary changes to local support services during the COVID 19 pandemic. We are incredibly fortunate to part of a proactive and engaged community and are very grateful to all volunteers who provide support to patients and our team. Thank you!
Woodcote Volunteers
Woodcote Volunteers is a ‘Good Neighbour’ Scheme which has been established for over 30 years. It is run by local volunteers only, for the benefit of these village communities. They are very lucky to have a fabulous team of friendly and reliable drivers and office helpers.
They offer to help elderly, disabled or people with a health condition who are without a car and cannot use public transport who need to access a hospital, Health Centre, dentist, optician, bank, shop or a wellbeing service. They can also collect prescriptions or do shopping.
They serve Woodcote, Whitchurch Hill, Checkendon, Ipsden, South Stoke, Goring Heath and Crays Pond and drive to many locations, such as the Health Centre in Woodcote, Royal Berkshire Hospital and the Oxford Hospitals. They will always try to take a client where they need to go as long as it is within a reasonable distance of our area.
How to access the service
Contact their new office at Woodcote Community Centre on 01491 681171 between 9.30am – 11.00am Monday to Friday, when you can speak directly to one of our volunteer office workers. Outside of these hours you can leave a message on our answerphone and someone will call you back the next working day.
There is a flat rate charge of £1.50 to drive to a location within Woodcote. For longer journeys, there is a charge of 45p per mile.
Covid Safety
They committed to keeping clients and drivers as safe as possible. Our drivers make sure that their car is cleaned with disinfectant wipes in all the areas our clients could touch. We ask that they and our clients wear masks in line with good practice and keep the car well ventilated whilst driving.
Goring & Streatley Coronavirus Information Network
Helpline: 01491 525 639
This group and helpline has been set up to provide a free community support service for any local residents. They can help with all manner of things including:
- Find someone to help with your shopping or to pick up your prescription/medication.
- Find someone who will generally keep in touch to make sure you are ok, links to listening buddies
- Provide more in-depth emotional support from fully trained counsellors (free)
- Liaise with the pharmacy to ensure your medication is ready before you ask someone to pick it up
- Provide local information such as shop opening times, vet services, entertainment in isolation services
- Signpost you to central and local government services
Goring Volunteer Drivers
This service provides help with journeys to hospital or the surgery for those having NHS treatment. They will make a small charge. The office is open at the Goring Community Centre in Station Road, Goring from 10.00am to 12 noon Monday to Friday tel: 01491 873565.