Bassetlaw Action Centre was delighted to take delivery of a new community minibus on Tuesday 6th May. The minibus was funded by a grant from the Motability Foundation, with additional support from the charity’s own reserves. It has been purpose-built to meet the needs of clients and is fitted with a fully hydraulic lift.
The vehicle can accommodate up to 16 passengers, including four wheelchair users, and is designed to help people with disabilities participate more fully in their community. It will be used for the centre’s popular lunch and day trips, with a new programme of events now available.
Bassetlaw Action Centre CEO, Lynn Tupling, said: “This new fully accessible minibus will allow us to help even more people in Bassetlaw to get out and about and reduce their isolation. Almost 3.4% of adults report feeling lonely ‘often or always’, but that rises to 13.3% for people who have a disability.
“We are determined to reduce transport inequalities experienced by disabled people in Bassetlaw, and our minibus trips are a great way to create connections and forge new friendships. We are proud that we can help more people with disabilities within Bassetlaw.”
Lisa Jones, Chief Operating Officer at the Motability Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to award Bassetlaw Action Centre with this grant to expand transport services for disabled people in North Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas.
“This transport can be a lifeline to passengers, by supporting independent living, reducing isolation, and improving access to services. Awarding grants to important local organisations like Bassetlaw Action Centre helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”
The Action Centre runs three transport schemes: the Bassetlaw Community Car Scheme, where drivers use their own vehicles; Car Scheme Plus, which features a specially adapted mobility car allowing passengers to remain in their wheelchair; and Bassetlaw Community Minibuses. All these services are driven by volunteers who generously give their time. All expenses are covered to ensure volunteering remains accessible to all.
One volunteer driver, MS, shared his enthusiasm: “As a volunteer driver, I see and really appreciate the benefits the Action Centre’s transport services bring to the local community. It’s great to see the arrival of the new minibus which has been built specially to accommodate the exact needs of our users. Whether it’s days out, medical appointments or lunch clubs, I know the Action Centre provides an invaluable service and the new minibus will be key to maintaining and expanding this.”
The new minibus will operate alongside the existing one, enabling a greater number of people to benefit from the service. These trips are open to anyone residing within Bassetlaw. A full schedule is available at www.bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk or by calling 01777 709650.
For more information about Bassetlaw Action Centre, its services, or volunteering opportunities, visit www.bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk, email enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk, or call 01777 709650.