About our Service
Chippenham LINK Transport is a volunteer-led service for people in Chippenham and surrounding villages. Our service offers door to door transportation to medical appointments and other essential trips, for people who cannot access public or private transport.
We provide the service for people living in Chippenham, Chippenham Without, Langley Burrell, Sutton Benger and Tytherton. There are approximately 40 LINK Schemes across Wiltshire and Swindon. If you live outside the area covered by Chippenham LINK, please visit the Community First LINK Schemes and Community Transport Directory to find your local transport service.
Mission Statement
Chippenham LINK Transport is a registered charity (1067820) led by volunteers. We believe that local communities and volunteers can have a positive impact in maintaining the unique quality of life in rural areas.
Declining services and an increase in the population of older people and others who need support, leave many people vulnerable and unable to access the essential services and social activities which enable them to maintain and independent and enjoyable lifestyle.
Our service draws on the goodwill existing in our community to provide a voluntary good neighbour service. Volunteering has many benefits for individuals and communities, and vulnerable residents receive a much valued service.
Call: 01249 461881
Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm
Whilst our telephone line is open Monday-Friday between 8.30-4.30, we can offer pre-booked transport to appointments outside these hours, including at weekends.
Our LINK Co-ordinator is happy to receive enquiries from people personally, or on their behalf through their Doctors, Nurses, Social Services, friends or relatives.
Please note, our service is dependent on driver availability and we may need to prioritise medical journeys for the most vulnerable in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chippenham LINK Transport?
Chippenham LINK Transport is a volunteer transport service for local people who cannot access public or private transport. If you need transport, please call us on 01249 461881 to speak to the LINK Co-ordinator.
Our telephone line is open between 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Prebooked transport is available for appointments outside these hours, including at weekends.
What areas do you cover?
We cover the following areas: Chippenham, Chippenham Without, Langley Burrell, Sutton Benger and Tytherton
We take 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 Bristol, Bath and Swindon.
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?
There is no set charge for our service, but we do invite clients to make a donation towards the cost of providing the Chippenham LINK Transport scheme. Cash donations can be left in the envelope given to you by your driver.
A mileage allowance is paid to our volunteer drivers. We also have telephone and other administrative expenses. Chippenham LINK Transport could not continue to operate without the donations that we receive from LINK service users.
How can I book transport?
To arrange transport please call 01249 461881 to speak to the LINK Co-ordinator. You can make a call for yourself or on behalf someone else. Please note our telephone line is operational Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm, but prebooked transport is available outside these hours, including at weekends.
Are you looking for volunteers?
Yes! Chippenham LINK Transport could not operate without the support of our wonderful volunteer drivers, committee members and Co-ordinators. Covid-19 has impacted upon our service delivery, both in terms of volunteer numbers and demand for transport.
To find out more about volunteering with LINK, please visit our volunteering page or make a quick and easy volunteer enquiry.
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 Bristol, Bath and Swindon. 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, Chippenham LINK Transport remains cautious to protect volunteers and the most vulnerable in our community. Volunteer drivers may choose to wear a mask and may ask clients to wear one too.
For more information about Covid-19 locally, please visit the Wiltshire Council Covid-19 page.
Can anyone in your area use the service?
Chippenham LINK provides a 'Good Neighbour' service to those in need in our local communities. Each transport request will be considered by the LINK Co-ordinator. It is often necessary for Co-ordinators to prioritise requests, normally journeys for medical appointments are given priority and any request accepted is subject to volunteer availability.
The service is not restricted to a particular age group or those with a physical or mental infirmity. However volunteers are unable to transport children under eleven years of age due to car seat legislation.
Covid-19 Information
Whilst Government Covid-19 mandates have now come to an end in England, Chippenham LINK Transport remains cautious to protect volunteers and the most vulnerable in our community.
Volunteer drivers may choose to wear a mask and may ask clients to wear one too.