13/12/2023
Life in the picturesque North Cotswolds offers unparalleled beauty and tranquillity, yet for many older or vulnerable adults, navigating daily life can present significant mobility challenges. Whether it's reaching vital medical appointments, visiting cherished family and friends, or simply enjoying a trip to the shops, the absence of suitable transport can lead to isolation and a loss of independence. Public transport options may be scarce or difficult to use, and driving oneself might no longer be an option. But what if there was a dedicated service, designed to bridge this gap and ensure everyone in the community has the opportunity to stay connected and active? Fortunately, a remarkable community-driven initiative is transforming lives across the region, offering a much-needed lifeline for those who need it most.
In the heart of the stunning Cotswolds, a truly invaluable service, the Community Transport Service provided by Cotswold Friends, stands as a beacon of support for individuals facing mobility hurdles. This well-established and highly-regarded service has been instrumental in enabling thousands of members to make over 15,500 passenger journeys in the last year alone, demonstrating its profound impact on the local community. It's more than just a ride; it's a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, fostering independence and connection. The service operates across the North Cotswolds and Cirencester, providing comprehensive coverage for a wide array of personal and essential travel needs. From medical appointments to social outings, shopping trips, or even just a visit to the hairdresser, this service ensures you can get where you need to go, comfortably and reliably.
Who Can Benefit? Eligibility and Purpose
The Community Transport Service is specifically tailored for older or vulnerable adults who find themselves unable to drive and for whom public transport is either unavailable or presents significant difficulties. This includes individuals over the age of 60, recognising the unique challenges that can arise with age. The primary purpose is to facilitate essential and social journeys, ensuring that members can maintain their quality of life and access necessary services. Whether it's a critical hospital visit, a routine doctor's check-up, catching up with family and friends, or simply enjoying the freedom of a shopping excursion, the service is designed to remove the barriers to mobility. It's about empowering individuals to live life to the fullest, without the constant worry of how they will get from A to B.
Our Dedicated Volunteer Driver Service
At the core of the Community Transport Service is an incredible network of nearly 100 volunteer drivers. These dedicated individuals use their own cars and are the backbone of the operation, going above and beyond to provide a personal and caring service. They pride themselves on not just driving you to your destination but also assisting you to and from your home, and patiently waiting for your return journey. This level of personal care is what truly sets the service apart, offering not just transport, but companionship and peace of mind. To utilise this highly beneficial service, passengers are required to register and become a member. The annual membership fee is a modest £24.00, equating to just £2.00 per month, and there's no limit to the number of bookings you can make once you're a member. This affordable structure ensures that the service remains accessible to all who need it. The cost per journey is calculated at a maximum of 50p per mile, and you pay your driver directly in cash on the day of your travel. It's always appreciated if you can provide the correct amount as drivers do not carry change. When you book your journey, you will be clearly informed of the exact cost, so there are no surprises. Furthermore, each booking generously includes two hours of driver waiting time, accommodating most appointments and errands. Should you require more time, simply let the booking desk know when you make your reservation, and arrangements can be made for an additional charge.
Introducing Our Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs): A New Era of Freedom
A truly transformative addition to the Community Transport Service is the introduction of our specialised Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) fleet. Thanks to a significant grant from the Weston Anniversary Fund, Cotswold Friends was delighted to launch its first WAV, dramatically enhancing accessibility in the North Cotswolds. The commitment to providing unparalleled accessibility continued in 2024, with the incredibly generous gift of a second WAV from a wonderful couple who had themselves benefited from the transport service and wished for their vehicle to continue serving the community. This second vehicle has recently been deployed to serve Cirencester and its surrounding villages, extending the reach of this vital service. The WAVs, specifically adapted Volkswagen Caddy models, are designed with the user's ultimate comfort and convenience in mind. A person can remain seated in their wheelchair throughout the journey, completely eliminating the need for often difficult and time-consuming transfers between a wheelchair and a standard car seat. This feature alone provides immense relief and dignity for passengers. For those who may not own a wheelchair but require one for their journey, a wheelchair can be provided upon request, ensuring that the service is truly inclusive. Beyond accommodating a wheelchair user, these versatile vehicles can also comfortably carry up to three additional passengers, making group outings or journeys with carers and family members entirely feasible. Furthermore, the WAVs boast an intelligently adapted front passenger seat that swivels, making ingress and egress significantly easier for individuals with limited mobility, even if they are not using a wheelchair. This attention to detail underscores the service's dedication to universal accessibility. Unlike the volunteer driver service where volunteers use their own cars, the WAV service is operated by fully trained staff members. These professional drivers are not only skilled behind the wheel but also possess the expertise and sensitivity required to assist passengers with specific mobility needs, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and respectful journey every time. The availability of these WAVs means there is truly no reason to miss out on life's opportunities. Whether it's a critical medical appointment or a long-awaited social engagement, the WAVs offer a seamless and dignified transport solution.
Understanding the Costs and Booking Your Journey
Accessing the Community Transport Service is straightforward. As mentioned, an annual membership fee of £24.00 is required to utilise the volunteer car service and the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. This membership grants you unlimited bookings throughout the year. For each journey, the cost is calculated at a maximum of 50p per mile. This fee is paid directly to your driver in cash on the day of travel. To ensure a smooth transaction, please endeavour to have the correct amount, as drivers do not carry change. You will always be informed of the precise cost of your journey when your booking is confirmed with the driver details. A generous two hours of driver waiting time is included in the base cost of your booking, allowing ample time for most appointments. If your needs require a longer waiting period, simply communicate this when you book, and arrangements can be made for a small additional charge. Booking your journey is easy and convenient. The Community Transport Bookings Desk operates Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. You can reach them by calling 01608 651115. Alternatively, for enquiries or bookings, you can send an email to [email protected]. For those who prefer a face-to-face conversation or need assistance with registration, you are welcome to call in at the Community Transport Service Bookings Office, located at the Moreton Area Centre, High Street, Moreton, GL56 0AZ. The friendly staff are always ready to assist you with registration or to help you book your next outing.
Real Stories, Real Impact: Voices from Our Community
The true measure of any service lies in the lives it touches. The Community Transport Service has profoundly impacted many individuals in the North Cotswolds, offering them not just transport but a renewed sense of freedom and connection.
Joyce, for instance, relies on the service for her hospital visits and shares, “It’s like seeing friends – they take all the worry from you and as you get older you do worry about things you didn’t worry about before.” This sentiment highlights the emotional support and peace of mind provided by the drivers.
Kenneth, at 95 years old, travels regularly both locally and to Cheltenham Hospital with Cotswold Friends. He commends the service, stating, “At my age I don’t drive and without that service I couldn’t get to my appointments. The service is excellent and I find the drivers good company.” His words underscore the essential nature of the service for maintaining health and well-being.
Following a stroke, Betty found herself unable to drive, a challenging situation that could have led to isolation. She emphatically states, “If I hadn’t got this transport I wouldn’t get out of the house because I can’t walk. I would recommend it to anyone, well – it would give them what it gives me – freedom.” Betty’s experience perfectly encapsulates the liberating effect of the service.
Trish, aged 76, has been a user of the transport service for five years and values it immensely. When asked if she would recommend it, she responded, “Yes – definitely – 100%. It’s a lifesaver for me for all sorts of reasons. I have my friends but I don’t need to call on them too often if I’m supported by Community Transport.” Trish’s testimonial showcases the service as a fundamental part of her support network, preserving her independence and social connections.
These stories are powerful testaments to the compassionate and vital role the Community Transport Service plays in the lives of North Cotswolds residents.
Comparing Your Transport Options: Volunteer Car vs. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
To help you decide which service best suits your needs, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Volunteer Car Service | Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Service |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | General transport for older/vulnerable adults | Specialised transport for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility |
| Vehicle Type | Volunteer's own car | Specially adapted Volkswagen Caddy |
| Wheelchair Accommodation | No, transfer from wheelchair required | Yes, person remains seated in wheelchair; wheelchair can be provided if needed |
| Additional Passengers | Varies by volunteer's car, typically 1-3 | Up to 3 additional passengers |
| Special Features | Personal assistance to/from home | Swivelling front passenger seat for easy access |
| Drivers | Dedicated volunteer drivers | Fully trained staff members |
| Areas Covered | North Cotswolds & Cirencester | North Cotswolds & Cirencester/surrounding villages |
| Membership Required | Yes (£24/year) | Yes (£24/year) |
| Cost Per Mile | Max 50p/mile | Max 50p/mile |
| Waiting Time Included | 2 hours | 2 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Transport in the North Cotswolds
Q: Who is eligible for the Community Transport Service?
A: The service is primarily for older or vulnerable adults (including those over 60) who cannot drive themselves and for whom public transport is unavailable or difficult to use.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: Our Community Transport Service covers the North Cotswolds and Cirencester, including surrounding villages for the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
Q: What kind of journeys can I book?
A: You can book journeys for medical appointments (doctor, hospital), social outings (visiting friends/family, hairdresser), shopping trips, and other essential errands.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: You can become a member by calling our Community Transport Bookings Desk on 01608 651115, emailing [email protected], or visiting us at the Moreton Area Centre, High Street, Moreton, GL56 0AZ.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: There's an annual membership fee of £24.00. Each journey costs a maximum of 50p per mile, which you pay directly to your driver. You'll be informed of the exact cost when you book.
Q: Is waiting time included?
A: Yes, two hours of driver waiting time is included in the cost of your booking. If you need more time, please inform the booking desk when you make your reservation, and an extra charge may apply.
Q: Can I bring a companion with me?
A: Yes, our Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles can carry up to three additional passengers. For volunteer cars, it depends on the specific vehicle, but generally, companions can be accommodated.
Q: Do I need my own wheelchair to use the WAV service?
A: No, while you can use your own, a wheelchair can be provided if required when you book the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle service.
Q: What are the booking desk hours?
A: Our Community Transport Bookings Desk is open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Q: How do I pay the driver?
A: You pay your driver directly with cash on the day of your journey. Please try to have the correct amount, as drivers do not carry change.
Beyond Our Service: Other Local Transport Provisions
While the Community Transport Service focuses on personalised support, it's worth noting that the North Cotswolds area also benefits from other valuable transport initiatives. These include services such as The Robin, The Villager, and The Hedgehog, which may offer different routes or schedules. Additionally, for broader bus service information in the North Cotswolds and Cirencester area, Community Connexions provides bus services that complement the community transport offerings. While these are separate entities, they collectively contribute to a more connected and accessible region for all residents.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Independence, One Journey at a Time
The Community Transport Service, with its dedicated volunteer drivers and cutting-edge Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, is more than just a means of getting around; it’s a vital pillar of support for the North Cotswolds community. It offers a tangible solution to the challenges of rural mobility, ensuring that older and vulnerable adults can continue to lead fulfilling, connected lives. The testimonials speak volumes about the profound positive impact this service has – from reducing worry and fostering companionship to providing the ultimate freedom to engage with the world outside one's home. If you or a loved one are facing transport difficulties in the North Cotswolds or Cirencester, there’s no need to miss out on essential appointments or cherished social occasions. Take the first step towards renewed independence. Call the Community Transport Bookings Desk today and discover how this exceptional service can transform your daily life. Your next outing, your next connection, awaits.
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