GRANT HELPS KEEP COMMUNITY BUS ON THE ROAD

A COMMUNITY minibus scheme that helps the elderly get out and about in North Yorkshire has been boosted by support from Broadacres.

The money, from the Community Development Fund, has been put towards the costs of running the Bedale Community Minibus (BCM) service.

The service aims to provide affordable transport for elderly and disabled people helping them to maintain an independent lifestyle and avoid social isolation.

The group has two buses which are adapted with low steps and wheelchair access. As well as running trips for the elderly, the vehicles are also available to local clubs, community organisations and schools.

The service recently won a Hambleton Hero award for its dedicated work delivering prescriptions to residents during the pandemic.

Volunteer Jen Lancaster said: “We do a market run each week, trips out to the country and tea shops – sometimes it can be a bit of a mystery tour.

“The people who run the service and drive the buses are all volunteers. It can be expensive maintaining the vehicles, so we are grateful for the grant from Broadacres which has come in very useful.”

Broadacres Community Development Fund supports organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes, and grants are approved by the Association’s own residents, via a Community Development Fund Panel.

Broadacres resident Mags Crook, who is on the Panel, said: “The Bedale Community Minibus is an excellent local service helping people who are at risk of social isolation to visit new places and make new friends.

“This is having a very positive impact on their health and well-being, so we were delighted to be able to provide support through the Community Development Fund.”

People who would benefit from using the minibus can visit https://www.bedaleminibus.org.uk/ or call 01677 425329.

Applications for Broadacres’ 2021/22 Community Development Fund are still being accepted and people/organisations can visit www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fundto find out more.