We spoke to Claire H about her father Mike, who has been a member since 2025.
Claire told us:
As a non-driver, I rely 100% on carers and Wivey Link to take Dad to and from Reminiscence Learning 3 days a week.
Without them, Dad would only be able to go to RL once or twice a week, and some weeks he couldn’t go at all. He would not be able to go to hospital appointments, as the use of hospital transport and taxis would make it very expensive.
It keeps him mentally and physically active, stimulated, happy, confident and helps him retain some independence.
If he couldn’t go as often or at all, it would be a devastating blow to him and to me as his carer. The friendship. activities, support, stimulation and music therapy provided by RL are invaluable.
Dad loves travelling with the friendly, helpful drivers and the friends he makes at RL. The idea of going in a taxi makes him feel like he’s getting a treat!
Wivey Link is quite simply a life saver for me. Their reliability and flexibility mean I don’t have to worry. I also know I can book them in advance for transport to hospital appointments and other local trips, subject to availability.
As a non-driver, I couldn’t afford the cost of a private taxi and using the bus is simply impractical. WL means I can makes plans in advance to meet friends and take care of my own appointments on the days Dad is out. I honestly don’t know what I would do without them! They are all Angel volunteers and un-sung heros!
Losing Wivey Link would be devastating and have a detrimental effect on Dad and me.
The service provided by the volunteers of Wivey Link is often better than I have experienced from paid employees at other companies! They are professional, caring, accommodating, friendly and take great care of the service users. Dad always feels safe and relaxed, as do I knowing he is in their care. They are always communicating with the staff at RL to make sure everything runs smoothly and often taking the burden away from family members with a simple phone call.
I cannot say enough positive, appreciative things about the Wivey Link staff and service. Dad and I would genuinely be lost without them and our quality of life would be negatively affected without them.