ANDOVER Town Council has pledged £1,400 to support Unity, a Test Valley charity, in providing Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training.

The decision was taken at a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 10.

The initiative aims to equip Unity's volunteer drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely transport vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and those served by voluntary groups.

The training will be delivered in a flexible manner, with sessions held at Andover's office or offered within the community for better accessibility.

READ MORE: Unity's community programmes expanding in Hampshire

Unity, a non-profit organisation, expects the MiDAS training to benefit between 760 and 1,000 people.

The grant funding will cover a significant portion of the project's total cost of £1,900.

In addition to enhancing the skills of existing volunteers, the project also seeks to promote and recruit new volunteers, along with occasional paid staff, to address the ongoing need for drivers for group transportation and dial-a-ride services.

Established in 1988 as Test Valley Community Services, Unity brings people together and tackles hardships faced by the community.

Part-funded by Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, Unity provides information, signposting, social prescribing, and home support services.

For more information on Unity's offerings, visit its website, email info@unityonline.org.uk, or call 03304 004 116.