Drivers in Westport, Greymouth, Hokitika, Timaru, Ashburton and Rangiora are receiving free driver mentoring thanks to a
boost to The Salvation Army’s Community Driver Mentoring Programme.
The Salvation Army South island Regional Driver Hubs in the Buller, Grey and Westland districts will remove a known
barrier for people on their pathway to employment – having a valid Driver’s Licence. Licenced drivers have a much
greater prospect of finding sustainable employment.
New regional driver hubs are being established across the South Island and will coordinate volunteer drivers and leaner
drivers with the aim of drivers achieving their restricted licences, thus gaining more access to job and other
opportunities.
The Salvation Army Driver Programmes Manager Keran Tsering says the expansion of the programme is an exciting
development and follows its success in Christchurch.
Established in 2014, the programme has helped more than 760 people achieve either their Restricted, or Full Licences.
Clients of the driver mentoring programme include young parents, youth without parental support, sole parents, at-risk
young people and migrants and their partners.
As well as employment opportunities, having a driving licence also reduces isolation, improves road safety, and
increases social opportunities for people.
The Community Driver Mentoring Programme launch dates:
Buller District CDMP launch: The Salvation Army Westport Corps – 2pm, Tuesday, March 10
Grey District CDMP launch: Westland Recreation Centre, High Street, Greymouth – 2pm, Wednesday, March 11
Westland District CDMP launch: The Lion’s Den, Hall Street, Hokitika – 2pm, Thursday, March 12.