Miles of Smiles is a community transport scheme for residents of Tameside.
Miles of Smiles is a community transport scheme operating for residents of Tameside. Volunteer drivers use their own cars and the Miles of Smiles wheelchair accessible vehicle to take people to and from health and wellbeing appointments.
Miles of Smiles aims to reduce the number of missed appointments by meeting the gap in services for patients that are ineligible for the ambulance service, and have difficulty in using public transport. Miles of Smiles offers a flexible and supportive solution through the use of volunteer drivers.
The scheme is unique in Tameside as it provides a door to door service so that passengers arrive on time with minimum stress and anxiety. A befriending service is offered as an integral part of the service and allows passengers the opportunity to share their concerns about the appointment. Volunteers may wait with the passenger to offer emotional support.
Drivers are not paid for their time but there is a charge to cover running costs. This charge is paid direct to the driver and should not include tips.
Who can use the scheme?
Anyone who, due to illness, age or disability, is unable to use public transport such as buses or trains to get about and do not have their own transport.
Where do passengers go?
Medical appointments including hospital, doctor, optician, dentist, clinics, physiotherapy and chiropodist. In most cases, Miles of Smiles volunteer drivers wait with the passenger while they attend their appointment, and take them home when they are ready to leave, unless they are being admitted or the appointment will take several hours.
The benefits of becoming a Miles of Smiles volunteer driver?
- Expenses to contribute to motoring expenses
- Keeping active, both physically and mentally
- Meeting new people
- Doing good in your spare time
- Engaging in the local community
What support do Miles of Smiles volunteer drivers receive?
- Miles of Smiles car scheme administrator is available 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (4pm on Friday) to answer any questions or concerns you may have
- We plan all journeys in advance and try to give volunteer drivers reasonable notice of jobs but sometimes last minute changes unavoidable.
Further information
Miles of Smiles is funded to support people that have difficulty accessing or using public transport to attend health related appointments. The scheme operates in Tameside and provides a door to door service so that passengers arrive on time with minimum stress and anxiety.
For further information on Miles of Smiles
Contact: Patricia Morris | Car Scheme Administrator Tel: 0161 622 2090