Driving Miss Daisy New Forest SW

09/06/2026

Summer is in full swing, and there's no better time to enjoy everything the New Forest has to offer.

Today we'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our favourite local businesses, Our Bench - New Forest Accessible Self-Catering Holiday Cottages. Their thoughtfully designed accommodation helps ensure that everyone can experience the beauty, tranquillity and freedom of a New Forest getaway.

For wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, features such as level access, spacious rooms and wet rooms can make all the difference. But it's about more than accessibility - it's about being able to relax, explore, make memories and enjoy the magic of the New Forest with confidence.

Whether it's a visit to beautiful places such as Exbury Gardens, a trip to the coast, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest, accessible accommodation helps make those experiences possible.

At Driving Miss Daisy New Forest, we're proud to support people in staying connected to their communities, discovering new places and continuing to enjoy the activities they love.

Do you have a favourite place in the New Forest?

03/06/2026

One of our regular clients enjoys a weekly outing with a Driving Miss Daisy New Forest companion. Together they revisit familiar places, travel through old neighbourhoods and share stories of days gone by. Every drive sparks memories, conversation and laughter.

His daughter recently shared these kind words with us:
"Very many thanks, he really does enjoy his time with you guys and he tells me he has been out for a drive with his friend! Credit to you all. Thank you again for all the care and support you give to my Dad."

As families, we often worry about older loved ones becoming isolated or spending too much time alone. While reminiscing about cherished memories is important, so too is continuing to create new ones.

A friendly face, a shared conversation and a regular outing can make a world of difference. These moments help people stay connected to their community, maintain their independence and have something special to look forward to each week.

At Driving Miss Daisy New Forest, we're proud to provide companionship as well as transport, helping people continue enjoying life, one journey at a time.

31/05/2026

This week, one of our regular clients and her beloved cat, Luna, needed a trip to the vet. Afterwards, we received this lovely feedback which perfectly captures what Driving Miss Daisy New Forest is all about.

"Martin was ready to help from the moment he arrived. He carried Luna to the car, helped at the vets, and even managed to win over a cat who usually doesn't like men! I'm so grateful for the help, the conversations and the laughs along the way. Your service is an absolute lifeline for me and I can't thank you enough."

We know that getting to appointments isn't always straightforward, especially when pets are involved. Sometimes it's the practical support, companionship and reassurance that make all the difference.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey, Luna - we look forward to seeing you at your next check-up, hopefully in a slightly less grumpy mood! 🥰🐾

28/05/2026

Looking for something exciting and inclusive to do this week?
Wetwheels Hamble will be offering accessible power boat trips in Lymington on 29 & 30 May giving disabled people, alongside their families and carers, the opportunity to experience the thrill of being out on the water.

At Driving Miss Daisy New Forest, we believe community connections and new experiences are important for wellbeing and independence. Our companion service helps people continue enjoying opportunities like these within their local community.

Wetwheels Hamble is an amazing service so do keep an eye out for future visits and opportunities to get involved.

Everyone deserves the chance to make special memories 💙

25/05/2026

We hope you're having a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend in the beautiful New Forest!
Have you spotted the foals yet?

At this time of year, the forest comes alive with young ponies wandering alongside their mothers - a lovely reminder of just how special the New Forest is. But with the roads busier over the Bank Holiday, it's also important to take extra care when driving through the forest.

Please remember to:
🐴 Drive slowly and cautiously
🐴 Be prepared for animals on or near the road
🐴 Allow plenty of space and never sound your horn

And it you'd rather sit back, relax and simply enjoy the scenery, our friendly companions at Driving Miss Daisy New Forest would be delighted to drive you through the forest so you can safely enjoy spotting the ponies and foals without the stress of driving.

Whether it's a gentle outing, a scenic drive, or support getting out and about, we're here to help.

22/05/2026

Today, as we near the end of 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - an important awareness campaign led by the Alzheimer's Society - we wanted to pause for a moment and reflect on why understanding dementia matters so much.

Many of the people we meet every day are living with dementia, caring for someone with dementia, or worried about what the future may hold for a loved one. Sometimes all it takes is a little extra patience, kindness and companionship to make someone feel safe, valued and connected.

There are also many misconceptions about dementia, so here are a few important facts:
💙 Dementia is not just memory loss
💙 Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, and every 3 minutes someone in the UK develops dementia
💙 Dementia doesn't only affect older people
💙 Research suggests that 45% of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be prevented or delayed by reducing certain risk factors

While we cannot change our age or genetics, we can take positive steps to support our brain health by:
🩵 Staying physically active
🩵 Eating a healthy balanced diet
🩵 Keeping our brains active and challenged
🩵 Staying socially connected

At Driving Miss Daisy New Forest, we understand how important companionship, familiarity and reassurance can be. Whether it's transport to appointments, a trip to see family, or simple getting out and about safely, we are here to help people maintain independence and connection to their community.

14/05/2026

At Driving Miss Daisy New Forest, we know that sometimes the smallest moments mean the most...

Recently, we had the pleasure of taking one of our lovely clients to celebrate her birthday with family at Stef's Kitchen - a special day filled with good food, laughter and time together.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the message is Every Action Counts - and we couldn't agree more. A simple outing, staying connected with loved ones, or helping someone get to a place that matters to them can make a real difference to wellbeing and independence.

We're proud to support our local community in the moments that matter most 💚

12/05/2026

It's International Nurses Day, and what nicer way to end it by taking four residents from Belmore Lodge and Court Lodge in Lymington down to Oakhaven Hospice to say a big Thank You to the amazing nursing team there. The residents had nursing backgrounds, two of them trailblazers of their time, so it was a real honour to celebrate Nurses Day with them.

07/05/2026

A lovely trip out to the beautiful Lime Wood Hotel for a special lunch occasion 💛
Outings like these are about so much more than simply getting from A to B. They're about companionship, conversation, shared memories and continuing to enjoy the places and moments that matter most.
We're proud to help people across our local community stay connected, independent and able to enjoy life's special occasions - big or small.

05/05/2026

Dementia Adventure with Special Offers throughout May!

This May, we’re making it easier for people living with dementia—and their carers—to enjoy a much-needed break in nature 🌿

In support of Dementia Action Week (18th–24th May), we’re running special holiday offers throughout May (until 1st June 2026).

✨ £500 off all mainland UK holidays
✨ £800 off June holidays to Cornwall and August holidays to the Kingdom of Fife
✨ Carer Goes Half Price offer extended for Scottish Highlands holidays

These experiences are only possible thanks to our amazing fundraisers and supporters, including People’s Postcode Lottery 💚

Their support helps us create safe, supported holidays where people living with dementia can connect with nature, build confidence, and share meaningful moments together.

Book this May and help make space for rest, joy, and connection: https://ow.ly/xUrn50YRKez