This week we celebrate and champion Community Transport Week, led by the Community Transport Association. It’s a chance for 2000 or more CT organisations to shine a light on the role community transport plays in bringing people together across the UK. Although it is often hidden, only seen when needed, it weaves across our streets and roads up and down the country every day of the week.
Modern life needs transport
It can’t be underestimated just how much of modern life now runs on transport, so without it, we can lose out on opportunities to get involved, participate, and be part of the places where we live. Millions of people don’t have the transport they need to connect – community transport plugs those gaps; for the groups that need to get to a football match, the lady that needs to do her weekly shop independently, and for patients that need to get to hospital – it’s literally life-changing. It keeps us well, it creates community, and ultimately it’s a significant tool in addressing the challenge of our times, reducing social isolation, and strengthening our mental health. It’s most definitely more than just wheels.
Beyond gas
The fuel that drives community transport goes beyond gas. The real drivers are thoughtful staff, dedicated volunteers, goodwill, and a passion to make a difference. This keeps it going for everybody, whether you need it now or in the future.
Over the year our fleet of 40 vehicles including minibuses, goods van, volunteer cars, and shopper buses delivered over 40,000 journeys for local groups and 31,848 passenger trips for individuals. Feedback from our group member focus session during the year showed that 100% agreed community transport improved wellbeing by getting people out and about, and 83% agreed we help them to deliver their services, with another 100% citing it essential for supporting vulnerable residents*.
“Using your services keeps me out of the doctor’s surgery – I was married for 60 years and, having lost my husband, I feel loneliness and isolation even more if I have nothing to do. Without Westway, we’d be trapped indoors.”
Our individual passengers, like Jessie here told us about the impact our services have on their lives, both practically with patient transport which enables them to get to and from hospital and GP appointments, and for the sense of community it builds. They were absolutely clear on what it meant to them. We see the impact daily, and we know that access to transport plays a crucial part in tackling isolation and loneliness. It’s an important thread helping to draw a community together.
Social value improves lives
Group Transport – the subsidised minibus service we run for community groups has been a mainstay of our work since 1991 and is another way community transport is making an impact in our borough and across the country.
From children’s play schemes to over 60s’ clubs, faith groups to sports teams, from disability charities to non-statutory day centres, the impact of these groups is vast – collectively delivering over £15bn of public services across the UK in 2021. The sense of connection these groups create matters, and access to subsidised, accessible transport is critical in helping them to deliver what they do. Community transport works for everybody.
“Over the years, Westway CT has become part of the Full of Life story. There’s a real appreciation for what we do, for the impact our services have on the lives of children with complex needs. WCT are not just the ‘transport’, they’re a real partner.”
This week is a chance to look at the breadth of services community transport offers, and to hear from those who couldn’t be without it. We hope our followers and readers share our passion for making the places we live in open to all, and feel the need to make sure that no one gets left behind.
*For a more in-depth look at our impact please have a read of our latest annual review here
And follow us on instagram/X/Facebook/Linked IN – buttons below!
Picture credit: Fun for Over 50’s
