by Alan Quick

TIVERTON and District Community Transport Association (TDCTA), which incorporates Crediton and District Community Transport Association, has been awarded £52,742, a share of the Local Sustainability Fund.

Faye Ashton, the Association manager, said the Association was “thrilled” with the award.

She explained: “We are a local charity whose transport services are aimed at increasing the independence, mobility and peace of mind of older and disabled people; helping to combat the problems of loneliness and isolation.

“Our vision is to help support individuals in the whole of the Mid Devon area have unhindered access to a variety of accessible transport options, enabling them to enjoy a full and active life while continuing to live in their local community.”

The Association provides a community transport service for those in Tiverton, Crediton and neighbouring parishes, especially for those who are sick or because of age, disability, poverty, isolation or because of the lack of availability of adequate and safe public transport.

The charity is run by a voluntary management committee and is funded through donations and grants including grants from Tiverton and Crediton Town Councils, Mid Devon District Council, the Heathcoat Trust and Devon County Council.

Faye said that the Local Sustainability Fund grant will allow the charity to employ a business development manager and a volunteer co-ordinator to help develop, build meaningful partnerships and strengthen links between community, statutory groups and local businesses.

Faye added: “The business development manager will help diversify their income streams allowing them to become more sustainable. The funding will also allow TDCTA to develop a marketing and publicity strategy and raise awareness of the work they do. This opportunity will enable the organisation to become stronger and resilient.”

The charity has three main services:

A Ring and Ride service, operating five days-a-week using a 15-seater accessible minibus with paid drivers.

This is a door-to-door service from designated areas on certain days allowing residents the opportunity to access shops and other public facilities. There are currently two Ring and Ride buses. All passengers pay a fare.

Voluntary Car Scheme – This service utilises volunteers using their own vehicles, collecting eligible passengers from their home and taking them to their required destinations for health appointments and social inclusion activities. Requests are also made from local organisations for their client group with specific transport needs to attend day care services and other social functions. This service is available seven days a week. All passengers are charged a fee based on their mileage.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle - This service is designed to complement both the ring and ride service and the voluntary car scheme. These vehicles have the capacity to carry up to six passengers or two wheelchair passengers and seated passengers in differing combinations. Currently there are three paid drivers. All passengers are charged a fee based on their mileage.

In addition to the three core functions, the charity also provides these subsidiary services:

Shopmobility, Community minibus hire, Information and assistance, Single point of contact, School transport, Transport to day care, Passenger, Transport provision for community Hospitals, Supply of drivers and provides an NHS Prescription Service.

The LSF, administered by the Big Lottery Fund, is providing up to £20 million of government funding to high-impact voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations (VCSE).

It is targeting small to medium-sized VCSE organisations with an income of between £100,000 to £1.5 million a year, and which provide vital services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people.