Dial-a-Journey, which provides transport for people with mobility problems, has five newly trained drivers, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Falkirk Council.
The drivers were part of a pilot programme aimed at helping people who had been unemployed for a long time, to get back into work.
Dial-A-Journey specialises in providing a service across the Forth Valley for people who can't normally access conventional public transport. The drivers took part in the pilot project over six months where they received specialist training to drive public service vehicles as well as learning about first aid, customer care and health and safety.
Now Falkirk Council is looking for more people to come forward for training. "Reducing the number of people who are long term unemployed is one of our major aims and projects like this demonstrate that if they are given the right support, they can change direction, learn new skills and grasp opportunities that can change their future," said Falkirk Council's Convener of Economic Development, Councillor Craig Martin.
"Our Employment and Training Unit is working with other partners to ensure this positive work continues and is looking for others to come forward for similar initiatives. We are especially keen to hear from school leavers, workless parents and residents from priority areas.
The support of Dial-a-Journey throughout this project has been highly valued and they share our belief that we can tackle longterm unemployment through innovative projects like this one."
Contact your local Job Centreplus or Careers Scotland Advisor or visit www.falkirk|. gov.uk to find out more.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Dial-a-Journey and Central Shopmobility have joined forces to offer people with mobility difficulties throughout the Falkirk Council area a better service and are looking for volunteers to help escort customers.
The two organizations have been working closely to create a joined-up transport and wheelchair loan service designed to take customers to the destination of their choice.
In particular they are working towards transporting customers directly to the Shopmobility base (at level 4 of the Callendar Square car park) in fully accessible minibuses.
Volunteer escorts are needed to help customers once they have been dropped off from the minibus or they have collected their electric scooter or wheelchair to go shopping.
Dial-a-Journey and Shopmobility provide all the necessary training to volunteers If you are interested please contact: Duncan Hearsum or Heidi Anderson on 01786 465355