St Ann’s Hospice is making an urgent appeal for volunteer drivers who can give just a few hours of time each week.

The south Manchester charity is asking local drivers who are happy to volunteer their time to drive patients to and from the organisation’s Day Therapy sessions in Heald Green or Little Hulton to get in touch.

Drivers are also needed to help transport patients to and from outpatient appointments at the charity’s Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital.

Drivers would be required to use their own car, but expenses would be paid. Louise Fleming, Volunteer Manager at the hospice, explained: “Some of our patients are unable to make their own way to and from our Day Therapy sessions each week, or to their outpatient appointments, which is why we’re appealing for support from local people.

“We’d be looking for people who would be happy to pick up patients so they can come to the hospice at 10am, and then take them home again at 3pm.

“There also other times available for those willing to volunteer to bring patients to our Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital for appointments. We’d love to hear from people who may have a couple of hours to spare.”

The hospice’s Day Therapy patients can access a range of services to support them, including creative therapies, pain and symptom control, complementary therapies, counselling, relaxation and exercise.

Louise added: “Feedback from our patients is that the care they receive in our Day Therapy services really does make a huge difference to their quality of life, whether that’s by helping them to control their pain or other symptoms, or by experiencing invaluable social interactions which make a real difference to their emotional wellbeing.

“The volunteer drivers will help us fulfill this valuable service for our patients and help us to improve their wellbeing at a time we need them most. We’d be enormously grateful if local people could come forward and help.”

St Ann’s Hospice cares for people from its three sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital, and also via a range of outreach and community services.

To volunteer your time or to find out more, please contact Louise Fleming on 0161 498 3653 or email lfleming@sah.org.uk.