Meeting people and helping the community – just two of the reasons North Canterbury’s Judith Brown is helping with the St John Health Shuttle.
Judith is one of the enthusiastic volunteers who make up the team running the North Canterbury Health Shuttle, which started on 10 July and is proudly supported by Four Square. She is both the Team Leader for shuttle personnel, and also one of the assistants on the shuttle.
Judith, who has been a member of St John for 57 years, says that, although she no longer works in the operational side of St John, she still feels she had something to give back to her community, and this helps her do that.
“We have a very enthusiastic group of people working on the shuttle,” says Judith. “It is an incredibly important service for many people. Many do not like driving out of their area especially the elderly, so the health shuttle helps them to get to health-related appointments without the hassle of finding parking.”
Pam Hall, St John Community Care Manager, says the shuttle is an important service for the North Canterbury community, and St John is encouraging people to use it.
“We have a great team of volunteer Health Shuttle drivers who are ready to help the people of North Canterbury, so we encourage people who need to get to a health appointment in Christchurch to call the booking line (0800 383 373).”
The vehicles and setup costs for the shuttle are sponsored by Four Square, however Mrs Hall says, as St John is a charity, people are encouraged to make a donation where possible to cover running costs.
Details of the North Canterbury service are:
- The shuttle travels from Amberley (9.00am), Rangiora (9.30am), Woodend (9.50am), Kaiapoi (10.05am) and then through to Christchurch
- For the return journey, it leaves Christchurch at 2.00pm
- The Shuttle does not have wheelchair facilities
Bookings can be made through Citizens Advice: ph 0800 383 373, and close 3.00pm the day prior to transport.