After a year with ever-rising petrol and energy costs, Bassetlaw Action Centre has found a way to restart its popular day trips. It has not been without its challenges to cover costs while still being affordable to its Bassetlaw patrons.
“We had to work out where we could take people that they would enjoy but where we could still afford to go,” says Health and Wellbeing Manager Paula Graham. “The minibus trips are really popular and because they have door-to-door pick-up they help isolated residents to get out and about. We didn’t want to lose such an important service but with costs rising we had to spend a lot of time thinking how we could still run them.”
The result is a series of trips between October and January that will all cost just £16.50 per person (this does not include any entry fees or refreshments). With a wide range of activities from visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park to garden centres and Lakeside Shopping Village there will be something there to appeal to most people. In addition, a weekly lunch club has also been set up that takes residents from different parts of Bassetlaw to local lunch venues with free transport.
Day trip regular Vera Whiteley said of the excursions: “I’m ever so pleased the day trips are running again. What more could you want; picked up at the door and brought back?” Like many other patrons, Mrs Whitely has made friends while on the trips and enjoys the chance to catch up while out somewhere different.
“The funding we received for the lunch club transport has enabled us to help more vulnerable or lonely Bassetlaw residents,” said Paula Graham.
“We know how important it is to make and maintain links in the community and we hope that this will reduce isolation and provide and enjoyable lunch out, with reduced costs as they will only pay for their meal. We particularly want to help people who have been in the services and are looking to reconnect with civilian life. Already some trips are fully booked so I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch as soon as possible.”
To find out more or to book a place please contact Bassetlaw Action Centre on 01777 709650 or visit www.bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk. Telephone lines are open 9.00am to 1.00pm, with an answerphone service outside those times.