BADENOCH & STRATHSPEY COMMUNITY TRANSPORT COMPANY (BSCTC)

So……How did we begin? Got people together like this in a conference Organised by Age Concern Held our hands up for volunteers VABS took on the main role of collaboration between the groups to get it started We needed Energy; Money and Time This was our first car scheme run in Laggan

What’s true …….. People are now living longer but often with complex health and mobility needs. Transport is vital in enabling them to access health care and other critical services when they need to do so. Yes it is good that people are living longer, but it brings with it a number of problems. Transport is the enabler for these people to have access to services

Who do we support with our services Older people People with disabilities People who are isolated People living with a mental health problem People who are lonely People who want to link with public transport People who just want to feel they are part of their community These are the main groups of people we serve in B & S – but are fairly typical in a rural area in Highland

What We Offer at BSCTC Community Car Schemes 7 days per week All abilities, accessible vehicles operated by fully trained drivers Group hire for community clubs Free wheelchair and mobility scooter loan service Assisted shopping, Social events Befriending services Links to other public services Started with a voluntary car scheme, developed the other schemes as the needs were identified Once again, transport is the ENABLER for all services

Volunteers In total we have around 175 volunteers carrying out a variety of roles Everything from being a driver, a telephonist, a shopping assistant, a musician or even a baker Our list of opportunities is endless!

Volunteers make a difference…. To other people’s lives To their own lives Reduce isolation and loneliness Take part in their community Make new friends Quote: “Volunteering is good for the soul, I feel.” Volunteers are the backbone of our organisation, we couldn’t do without them! Here’s why …..

Why is CT effective?: It meets people’s individual needs It can be the ideal response to a local transport problem Involving volunteers can reduce the overall cost of travel It also makes links to other forms of public transport

Accessible Transport Projects Supporting individual needs and varying disablities

Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Co Contact details: Maggie Lawson Email: maggie@ct4u.co.uk or tel: 01479 810004 www.ct4u.co.uk Charity No. SCO29556