Members of a day care group in Netherfield have given pupils in the town a sneak peak of their new children’s book which aims to help reduce bullying and social isolation.

Netherfield’s Gedling Day Centre cares for people with learning difficulties and staff there helped users of the service put pen to paper to produce the new children’s book, Rod The Frog, which is available now.

The book features animal characters who struggle to fit in with their communities such as a red frog, a multi-coloured elephant, Siamese twin cats, a hippopotamus, a bear and a chicken.

The adventure story celebrates the characters’ differences and aims to help children understand that people who are different in some way should not be singled out or bullied by their peers.

Nottinghamshire County Council day service staff assisted the group of 19 service users to write up the book, which features illustrations drafted by the group. Some of the characters are based on day service workers, and the council bus that transports members to the day service is also featured in the book.

Yesterday members of the group were invited to Netherfield Primary School to give local children a preview of their new publication and it went down a storm.

Julie Hampson, who works at the day service, helped the group put the book together and says she is delighted by the results.

She said: “Through the use of puppets, I worked with the group to come up with the basis for the book, which is a real adventure story with colourful characters that will hopefully inspire and capture the imagination of children.

“Many of the service users have faced discrimination during their life so they are keen to share their experiences through this story to help children embrace people who are different in some way, whether by disability, sexuality or race.”

Peter Hardern, headteacher at Netherfield Primary School, said: “Our children gain so much from working alongside a wide variety of people within our community and what better way than to share a special story together.”

Meet some of the fabulous volunteer drivers in Gedling borough who keep Rushcliffe CVS’  Voluntary Transport Schemes moving and growing.  

Pam Loydall 

Pam Loyal, pictured, left, from Arnold, got into volunteering after being made redundant from Notts County Council. Pam was a teaching assistant for over 25 years and she was too young to retire. Pam says: “I wanted something to keep me occupied and I have been a volunteer driver now for three years. I love it. I’m a people person and volunteering gives me a purpose. I am a great believer too that if you can make someone happy, then that makes you happy too. I love the passengers, they appreciate the service and they like a chat. I’d recommend being a volunteer driver to anyone.  I think it would also be a good opportunity for students at the local universities and colleges – a good chance to work in the community, try out some new skills and provide a vital lifeline to older and disabled people.”

Nuru Hedayati-mehdiabadi

Nuru Hedayati-mehdiabadi, pictured, left, from Carlton is another one of our tireless volunteers. Nuru says: “I have been a volunteer driver now for 10 years. I like to keep busy and love helping people.  I would urge anyone who can drive and who has the time to sign up as a volunteer driver.

Rushcliffe CVS is still looking for voluntary drivers in Gedling to take elderly customers to the doctors, to appointments, shopping, to social clubs and help them get out and about. The scheme currently has over 20 regular volunteer drivers on its books, but is keen to expand and take on another 20 drivers to meet the increased demand.

The voluntary transport scheme is run by Rushcliffe CVS who has been awarded the Community Transport Association Quality Mark demonstrating their top class transport operations, governance, personnel, health and safety and corporate social responsibility.

Rushcliffe CVS has been organising transport for elderly and vulnerable people for over 30 years. Volunteers use their own cars to take passengers out. Most drivers are retired or have at least 2 hours availability between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Drivers need to have a car that is in good conditions tidy, MOT’d, insured and need to like helping people and talking to them. Drivers all have to undergo DRB (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks as well and providing 2 references. Passengers pay an annual registration fee and 45p/mile to cover the driver’s costs.

If you would like to volunteer as a driver, or would like to use the service or know someone who would, call the transport team on 0115 969 9060 or email gedlingtransport@rushcliffecvs.org.uk to find out more.