I joined volunteers and staff for the unveiling of two new community minibuses, which will help to tackle isolation and loneliness in Fareham and Gosport.
Community Action Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Action both received one brand new minibus as part of their ‘Community Transport’ scheme. The Department for Transport directly covered the full cost of both vehicles which together are worth over £110,000.
The minibuses – which are fully equipped with handrails, low steps for elderly or disabled people and a lift or ramp for wheelchair and walking frame users – will enable everyone to get about in the community. The new buses will help to connect older and disabled people, who need support when travelling or to be assisted, to connect with the community stopping people at risk from becoming isolated or lonely. The service is also available for charities, youth associations, schools and local community groups.
It was a pleasure to be invited to launch the new fleet of community minibuses. We often take for granted having mobility and how important this is for living independently. But for many people in our community just getting about can be a struggle.
It is also important that we recognise the contribution of the volunteer drivers, who do such great work for their local community. I would like to thank and commend all those involved with Community Transport.
The new community minibuses will play an important role in connecting people, especially those who are elderly or disabled, with the community around them.
For the past two years Community Transport has benefited from free parking for its Fareham and Gosport fleets, which is provided for by Vector Aerospace on its Fareham Road offices at no cost, saving around £8,000 per year. This really shows how the community can come together to help tackle issues such as isolation and loneliness.