SEDCAT is a local charity dedicated to helping hundreds of people to remain active and out and about. During the COVID-19 crisis, this is not possible, but that wasn’t going to stop them helping the community.

They were successful in being awarded £3,200 from Dorset Community Foundation’s (DCF) Coronavirus Fund, which meant they could fit a protective screen in their ‘Hospital Hop’ van, enabling them to safely transport people to and from hospital, so helping the NHS and helping people to get safely home.

SEDCAT is also delivering hospital equipment and medicines to local hospitals, fetching prescriptions and picking up shopping for people who struggle with online ordering. 

“We saw CAN's emergency appeal and got in touch to see if the hospitals needed help. Getting people to and from hospital is an issue because the NHS has really tightened its criteria,” said Sue Leighton, SEDCAT’s Chief Officer.

“The DCF funding is a lifeline because all our clients are over 70 and in the high-risk group, so we must conform with social distancing, both to protect them and our drivers. Hospital Hop driver, Adrian Bramley (pictured), is especially busy.”

SEDCAT normally provides services in Bournemouth and Christchurch, but thanks to the DCF funding and a grant from Legal & General has extended its service to the whole of East Dorset during the lockdown.

For more information visit sedcat.org.uk call 01202 53402/59829 or email [email protected]