By Faye Angus, VAST
Two community transport projects, Door2Door Transport and Newcastle Community Transport (NCT), have launched a new partnership to provide a united service to transport people with limited mobility and those who struggle to access public transport, enabling passengers to access appointments and activities across North Staffordshire.
Both projects have operated separately for a number of years but there is a real harmony between the schemes that has created a ‘complement not compete’ relationship to provide the best services possible. Bringing the two projects together will build on the culture of cross-referral that already exists and will benefit service users, staff, and volunteers.
The vital services that Door2Door, a project of local VCSE infrastructure charity VAST, and Newcastle Community Transport provide are only possible because of a wonderful team of volunteer drivers from the local community.
Door2Door drivers use their own vehicles to provide journeys for vulnerable people, who can otherwise be very isolated.
Newcastle Community Transport uses specially adapted minibuses to cater for those in a wheelchair.
Drivers from both schemes collect people from their departure point, take them to their destination, and ensure they are settled back at home at the end of the journey, providing support where it’s needed.
These community transport services have been embedded in their communities for many years, and the staff and volunteers working with them are all local. They have a unique understanding of the area and the needs of local people.
New funding from the National Lottery Community Fund will enable both schemes to unify their services, mission, and objectives to serve more people across the area, all whilst improving lives – especially for people living with long-term health conditions, who have mobility issues, do not have their own vehicle, or struggle to access public transport.
Margaret, a Door2Door volunteer driver, said: “It is a pleasure doing something to help people who are less fortunate, some not having been out or seen or talked to other people for days or weeks in some cases.”
Dave, another Door2Door volunteer driver, added: “I have gained great satisfaction from my Door2Door driving over the years, at least as much as our customers have gained with the service.”
Upon the launch of the partnership, Strategic Projects Manager, Charlotte Bennett said: “We know that help with transport is greatly needed so we are thrilled to have secured funding to enable these schemes to keep running and supporting people in our communities. We would love to hear from local people who would be interested in finding out more about how they could get involved.”
Phil Adams, Vice-Chair at NCT said: “Having worked closely with Door2Door Transport for many years it is great to make the partnership more formal and explore ways that the two schemes can work together.”
The Community Transport Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent partnership launched on 1st April and more information can be found here:
