About our Service
About The Four Villages LINK Scheme
The Four Villages LINK is a befriending and support scheme staffed by a team of local volunteers and led by a committee who oversee the general running of the service. All our volunteers are DBS checked and carry identity badges.
We offer support in a practical and caring way to those who need some help. LINK supports and complements local health and social services but operates at a far more personal level. Anyone who requires assistance can use our service regardless of age or circumstances.
What Help Do We Offer?
- Organising transport to and from medical appointments including hospitals in Bath & Salisbury.
- Carrying out small simple jobs around the house that do not require the services of a specialist tradesman.
- Befriending.
- Shopping.
- Occasional dog walking or gardening.
- Resolving basic computer issues.
- We also have two wheelchairs that can be loaned out.
Call: 07852 256939
Monday to Friday 9am-6pm
Our Coordinator will log your request and find a volunteer to help you. All calls are charged at mobile rates.
When requesting help from The Four Villages Link Scheme, please give plenty of notice and ideally not less than 48 hours in advance of your journey or request for assistance.
Please note, that any messages left on the telephone over the weekend or on a public holiday will be actioned and/or responded to on the next working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Four Villages LINK Scheme?
The Four Villages LINK is a befriending and support scheme which offers help with transport, befriending, shopping and small tasks in the home. The service is for people who live in the villages of Bratton, Coulston, Edington and Erlestoke in Wiltshire. If you need some help, please call us on 07852 256939 to speak to the LINK Coordinator.
Our telephone line is open between 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays).
What areas do you cover?
We cover the villages of Bratton, Coulston, Edington and Erlestoke in Wiltshire. We take local people to local doctors, opticians and dentist appointments, as well as other essential services. We also travel further afield, taking people to hospital appointments in Bath and Salisbury.
Other LINK Schemes
There are approximately 40 LINK Schemes across Wiltshire and Swindon. If you live outside the area covered by our service, please visit the Community First LINK Schemes and Community Transport Directory to find your local transport service.
Is there a cost to use your service?
The Four Villages LINK scheme is a registered charity and is self-financing. There is no charge for our services but we are always grateful for donations from those we are able to help. It is these donations that we look to in order to meet our annual running costs.
LINK volunteers claim an allowance for mileage and any out-of-pocket expenses. Any unclaimed portion of the allowance can be used to claim Gift Aid.
How can I make a request for help?
To make a request for help or transport, please call 07852 246939 to speak to the LINK Coordinator. You can make a call for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Please give as much notice as possible, ideally not less than 48 hours.
Please note our telephone line is operational Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (except Bank Holidays). You can leave a message and the Coordinator will return your call. Please note, that any messages left on the telephone over the weekend or on a public holiday will be actioned and/or responded to on the next working day.
Are you looking for volunteers?
We are always keen to hear from local people who are willing to become LINK good neighbour volunteers. There is a range of ways in which you could become involved – as a volunteer driver, helping with befriending, serving on the committee or helping with fundraising.
Being a LINK volunteer can give you a new interest and make good use of your skills and experience. At the same time you will make a valuable and much appreciated contribution to our local community.
To find out more about volunteering with LINK, please contact us on 07852 256939.
Is the service only for medical trips?
We can provide transport for medical trips to local doctors surgeries, dentists and hospitals. We also travel to hospitals in Bath and Salisbury. We can offer transport for social visits and activities e.g. to lunch clubs, but may need to prioritise essential medical trips for the most vulnerable depending on volunteer capacity.
Are you still taking Covid-19 precautions?
Whilst Government Covid-19 mandates have now come to an end in England, The Four Villages LINK Scheme remains cautious to protect volunteers and the most vulnerable in our community. Volunteer drivers may continue to wear a mask on all journeys, we also request that clients continue wear a face covering and practise good hand hygiene. We are no longer asking clients to travel in the rear of cars.
For more information about Covid-19 locally, please visit the Wiltshire Council Covid-19 page.
Can anyone in your area use the service?
The Four Villages LINK Scheme provides a support service to those in need in our local communities. Each request will be considered by the LINK Coordinator and any request accepted is subject to volunteer availability.
Anyone who requires assistance can use our service regardless of age or circumstances. However, volunteers are unable to transport children under eleven years of age due to car seat legislation.
