The Value of Community Transport
Fostering a sense of belonging
The Community Transport Association states community transport is not just about moving people from point A to point B, it is about fostering a sense of belonging, bridging divides, and empowering individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, and social opportunities that are the bedrock of a thriving community.
The WAT family is very proud of the contribution we have made to this since our organisation was founded and we are looking forward to what’s to come over the next twenty-five years.
“Helping people in all walks of life live life to the full. Whether it is children getting to school or the elderly going to the shops, we strive to get people out and about.”
WATBus volunteer
“Many of us take for granted that we can pop to the shops or go and get a haircut, but for many of the people who use this service it has proven to be a lifeline.”
Passenger
Loneliness and isolation are known to lead to depression, anxiety and mental decline, with lonely and isolated people needing more support from health and social care services, as well as family members. According to an in-depth study by Deloitte and funded by ECT Charity (Tackling Loneliness and Isolation Through Community Transport), the financial cost to the UK of these effects today is around £2.1 billion every year, and what’s more, the problem is growing as the UK’s population ages.
* Source: Community Transport Association
“Community transport in all its forms, has the potential to offer a more reliable and resilient way of addressing a growing number of transport needs and contributing to areas of public policy where access and inclusion are significant challenges.”
Bill Freeman, Community Transport Association
But we are up to the challenge and have been building our capacity over the years. Our research has revealed that since it was launched in 2022, 70% of the people who use our Out & About scheme are isolated elderly people or people with disabilities who need more of a person-centred approach when it comes to their transport needs.
One user of this service, Mary, said: "It's bad enough my legs don’t work now but the thought of not getting to my group was so upsetting. The Out & About scheme has allowed me to still go and meet up with my friends. You don’t know what it means to keep my independence".
In a recent stakeholder survey, what most stood out was how friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable our team is, with one member of staff saying: “the people I work with and for are a special bunch also, all working together or individually, everyone is there to help each other” and a volunteer explaining that they “benefit from the camaraderie and spirit of the place”.
WATBus' work also goes beyond providing heavily subsidised transport and volunteer drivers to VCSE and local organisations: we sponsor two local football teams (juniors and ladies) and individual players and next year we plan to create a fund for local sports teams involved in less common sports, e.g. disabled sport.
In addition, we run seasonal campaigns, such as free transport at Christmas and free meals for some of our community groups.
Our "going that extra mile" attitude also extends to helping our beneficiaries in other aspects of their lives, e.g. support with paperwork, mental health.