New Community Car Scheme Helps Bridlington Residents Reach Vital Medical Appointments
By Sean Ray, Development Officer for England
Bridlington Local Community Lift Expands Access to Healthcare Through Volunteer Drivers
Responding to Local Transport Barriers
When local partners in Bridlington became aware that residents were missing important medical appointments because of transport barriers, they decided to take action.
The result was the creation of Bridlington Local Community Lift (BLCL), a community car scheme established to complement existing transport services and ensure more people can access the healthcare they need.
While East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Medibus service already provides valuable links to local hospitals, it became clear during 2025 that some residents continued to face difficulties reaching appointments. In response, a small group of local people came together to develop a flexible volunteer-led solution.
To help establish the service, Beverley Community Lift, which has many years of experience delivering community transport, agreed to administer the scheme. With support from small start-up grants, the organisation began recruiting volunteer drivers from across the local area.
Following a successful recruitment campaign, Bridlington Local Community Lift launched in early 2026 and has seen growing demand ever since.
Volunteer Drivers Making Healthcare More Accessible
Today, volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to provide door-to-door journeys for residents attending appointments at hospitals in Bridlington, Hull, Malton, Scarborough and York, as well as local clinics and healthcare facilities.
The service has received strong support from both passengers and volunteers.
Volunteer driver Geoff, who joined after reading about the scheme in Your East Riding Magazine, said:
"After two years of taking my late wife to hospitals across the region, I know how stressful and costly these journeys can be. For people without transport, it's even harder. Volunteering has been a privilege. The people I meet are friendly, grateful and often just happy to chat."
Volunteer driver Geoff, one of the local residents helping Bridlington Local Community Lift provide door-to-door transport to medical appointments across East Yorkshire and beyond.
Another volunteer driver, Martin, was inspired to join after seeing information about the scheme on social media.
"I have free time after retiring and wanted to help people unable to help themselves. Sometimes we're the only person they speak to that day. It's incredibly rewarding to support people who genuinely appreciate the help."
Making a Real Difference to Passengers
Feedback from passengers highlights the difference the service is making to people's lives, with many praising the reassurance and personal support provided by volunteer drivers.
Comments from passengers include:
"Without BLCL, I would have missed my appointment."
"The drivers are kind, calm and make you feel safe."
"Door-to-door support makes all the difference."
BLCL continues to work closely with other community transport providers and East Riding of Yorkshire Council as the service develops.
Like many community transport initiatives, the scheme is always looking for additional volunteers. Every new driver helps ensure that more residents can attend essential appointments and remain connected to the healthcare services they rely upon.