Driving Miss Daisy, a community companion service, which launched in the UK in 2014, has arrived in Poole. Synonymous with and inspired by the Academy Award winning film (which featured Morgan Freeman as a driver for his elderly client) the Driving Miss Daisy idea originated in New Zealand with just a single vehicle, but has now developed in to a global franchise.
Due to the demand for services, Driving Miss Daisy UK has expanded from its first location in Lee on the Solent, Hampshire in January 2015 and is now as far north as Glasgow in Scotland.
Former Poole Council employee, Lesley Samways is just the first to join the team in Poole and had the following to say. “I have always been passionate about helping people and have previously run my own child minding business and been a carer with Poole Borough Council. This new role enables me to help people get out and about, retain their independence and have fun. I’ve already provided transport for an elderly lady to attend a wedding, trips to the hospital and a gentleman with learning difficulties to a holiday in Gloucestershire. Every journey is different, and anything is possible! We really do make a difference to people’s lives and I get real job satisfaction too!”
Director of Business Development, Chris White, says ‘DMD is delighted to be setting up in Poole, as the area has so much to offer and we’ve already provided trips to the Harbour, plus some of the local restaurants and tourist hotspots. What sets us apart from other transport providers is the companionship we provide. We can help with so much, from getting to and from air or sea ports for that much treasured holiday, plus arranging and taking clients to numerous appointments (such as for healthcare, or simply the hairdressers or to the social club). Driving Miss Daisy goes that one step further by organising day trips to visit places people really want to see and its driver/companion is there to assist people throughout the journey.’
One of the key reasons behind why Driving Miss Daisy has been so well received by the elderly and those that care for them, is that their companion drivers give clients back their independence in a reliable, safe and secure environment. The ethos behind their service is ‘We’re family when family can’t be there’which is invaluable in the UK’s current overstretched climate.
For further information please visit our website www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk or to book Lesley’s Daisy car in Poole, please call 0333 014 6211
