'Outstanding' community transport charity awarded cash windfall

Worcestershire County Council deputy leader and district council leader Councillor Marcus Hart  has awarded Community Transport Wyre Forest £500.

He said the donation, from his County Council Divisional Fund, was “in recognition of the outstanding services provided to people, including those living in my Chaddesley division, who can’t access their own or public transport and in tackling isolation.”

Cllr Hart added: “This door-to-door bookable transport is a lifeline to so many people enabling them to remain independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services.

“I applaud the dedicated staff and army of volunteers who provide these vital services every weekday.”

Volunteers use their own cars, with expenses reimbursed, or drive the charity’s fleet of wheelchair-accessible minibuses to take clients to medical appointments and social activities, including day centres, lunch clubs, trips to the shops and to visit relatives and friends. 

In the 12 months up to March, Community Transport Wyre Forest made 15,641 journeys and demonstrated a social value of more than £500,000 in reduced direct and indirect health costs, enabling increased independent living and increased volunteering.

Trudi Elliott, chair of trustees, said: “The charity relies heavily on grants, donations sponsorship and fundraising to maintain and develop its services and we are extremely grateful to Cllr Hart for his support.”For more information about how to access services, support the charity or to volunteer, call01299 405820 or visit ctwyre.org.uk