I’m so grateful for the Community Car Scheme. Having a friendly volunteer pick me up, help me get in and out of the car, and make sure I arrive safely takes away so much stress, it’s an outstanding local service.
Community Support
Helping communities connect, grow and thrive.
Our Community Support work helps people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough stay connected, access essential services and build stronger links within their local communities.
From helping communities establish and sustain their own Community Car Schemes, to working alongside residents and partners to help build a strong, connected new community at Springstead, we respond to local needs and help communities develop the support, connections and opportunities that matter to them. Our wider Community Support work also includes the Finding Help Forum and other projects developed in response to changing local needs.
Community Car Schemes are locally run, volunteer-led services providing safe, reliable and affordable transport for people who may find it difficult to use public transport or have no other suitable way to travel.
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to help local people get to medical and healthcare appointments, essential services, social activities and other eligible destinations. This can make an important difference to people’s independence, helping them access the services they need and stay connected with their local community.
Care Network Cambridgeshire supports the network of Community Car Schemes rather than running the individual schemes. We provide information, advice, connections and practical support to help communities establish new schemes and enable existing schemes to continue operating effectively. We also bring those involved in Community Car Schemes together to share knowledge, experience and good practice.
As Community Car Schemes rely on local volunteers, driver availability can vary. If you need to arrange a journey, we recommend contacting your local scheme as far in advance as possible.
Looking for your local Community Car Scheme? Find your local scheme below for contact details, information about the journeys available and how to book. If you’re unsure which scheme covers your area, please Contact Us and we’ll be happy to help.
Community Car Scheme drivers can play an important role in helping people living with dementia travel safely and with greater confidence. Understanding how dementia may affect someone and knowing how to communicate and respond can help make journeys calmer and more comfortable for everyone.
Read our leaflet on our practical guide for Community Car Scheme drivers supporting people with dementia, covering common signs, helpful communication techniques, booking considerations and guidance for safe, comfortable journeys.
Local Community Car Schemes rely on volunteer drivers to help people get where they need to go. If you enjoy driving, meeting people and making a practical difference in your community, volunteering as a driver could be a rewarding way to get involved.
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for mileage. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) provides guidance on requirements such as insurance and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please Contact Us. We can provide further information and help connect you with a Community Car Scheme in your local area.
Care Network Cambridgeshire is working with Cambridge City Council to support the development of a strong, connected community at Springstead, a major new neighbourhood being developed next to Cherry Hinton in Cambridge.
Over the next four years, we will work alongside residents, local organisations and partners as the community grows. Our role will include helping establish a community steering group, supporting local people to become active community leaders and making sure new residents can easily find information about local services, activities and opportunities.
Our aim is to help create the connections, networks and community-led support that will enable Springstead to thrive long into the future.
Visit Greater Cambridge Planning for further information on the new development.
The Finding Help Forum brings local organisations and professionals together to coordinate support for individuals and families in Cambridge City who are experiencing complex needs or facing multiple challenges. It provides a collaborative way for agencies to share their expertise, identify appropriate support and help people access the services they need.
Held fortnightly and in person in Cambridge City, the multi-agency forum helps ensure that people with more complex circumstances do not have to navigate different services alone. By working together, participating organisations can identify gaps in support, agree practical next steps and help connect individuals and families with the most appropriate local services.
I’m so grateful for the Community Car Scheme. Having a friendly volunteer pick me up, help me get in and out of the car, and make sure I arrive safely takes away so much stress, it’s an outstanding local service.
Everyone is so busy these days. I got just what I asked for and more. It was great and I think I’m doing as well as can be.
And I was ready to give up really as I missed my wife so much. Thank you for the lovely service you provide. I don’t like to go out, so it was nice to talk to someone.
It was great to get all that info sent to us. We are working our way through it. Mum has had contact with a social worker and we have sorted some groups for her to go to.
Our entire family extends our thanks for all you have done.
We are so looking forward to trying some out and certainly we feel less ‘loaded’ and happier that there are safe ways for helping us to socialise.