West Vale Mobility, a community micro-enterprise that we supported to get set up in Shrivenham, is providing community transport services to residents in the neighbouring villages. This service is helping people to live independently in their own homes and communities.
The new service helps transport residents from Shrivenham, Bourton, Watchfield, Longcot and Ashbury to their local health and wellbeing services, including appointments at Elmtree GP surgery and clinics at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
The programme has been made possible by £18,000 funding from the council’s community transport grants, as well as an additional £32,000 from section 106 contributions, ring-fenced for local transport provision.
Our Catalyst in Oxfordshire supported the service through our Community Micro-enterprise Development Programme to ensure it was legal, safe and sustainable.
“We’ve…been given ongoing guidance from Anita at Community Catalysts, connecting us with other volunteer organisations and offering support on policies, safeguarding, promotion and marketing.”
The West Vale Mobility community transport service is vital in rural parts of the county when there is a lack of public transport. The service also uses an adapted Renault Traffic van, designed to transport a passenger in their wheelchair, as well as additional people who may be supporting them during their appointment.
“I feel so excited and pleased for the team that are about to launch the scheme. They have worked hard to get the right vehicle and all the processes in place for a quality service.
Local residents who are struggling with transport to help their health and wellbeing will benefit immensely from the wonderful community spirit and drive that all involved have and continue to demonstrate.”