Charity says 'clock ticking' over funding shortfall

A charity in Worcestershire that transports vulnerable people to medical appointments and social activities has said it could close by the end of May.

BluWave Community Transport Service, which has operated across Bromsgrove and Redditch for eight years, said it required £20,000 funding to keep going.

Director Celia Arthur said: "We will be closing if we don't get funding, the clock is ticking, and it could be by the end of May.

"Financially our users will lose out as we're half the price of a taxi, but also the volunteers are more than drivers."

BluWave has 181 clients in Redditch and 161 in Bromsgrove, with each mile covered costing roughly 80p.

Despite receiving no direct funding from local authorities, Arthur estimated the charity had saved local services an estimated £315,000 to £415,000 since its inception.

Discussing her drivers, Arthur said: "They're a listening ear, they're a helpful hand and they're always there waiting for them, making sure they get home.

"They often notice things about their health that others wouldn't because they're the only ones who see them."

Roger Goddard is one of 14 volunteer drivers who work for the charity.

"Some of the customers they may not get out or see people so it's nice for them as well, I enjoy a bit of a chat," he said.

"You do feel like you're contributing to the general good."

Susan Wakelin said she and her husband depended on the charity.

"The bus services aren't brilliant, we don't have a direct bus service to Kidderminster to hospital and we don't have one to the Princess of Wales Hospital," she said.

"At the end of the day, we depend on BluWave a lot. It's more than a lift, they help you into the car, they chat to you and you know you're in safe hands."

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