Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Charity: Community Transport Sussex

Thursday, 11 January 2024 09:30

By Marie Claire Macintosh

Community Transport Sussex is an unlikely hero, but one that plays a crucial role in connecting local communities, Marie Claire Macintosh explains more about this valuable service

Community Transport Sussex is an award-winning leading provider of transport for everyone in the community. Public transport options may not always reach every rural area, so Community Transport Sussex steps in and often provides a lifeline for passengers who depend on it to lead independent lives. The service connects individuals to local destinations such as hospital appointments, shopping, and community activities such as a social lunch at their local Age UK centre.

The mission is to 'keep communities connected' by giving people the ability to live independently by providing safe, affordable, and accessible transport services'.

They provide a wide range of services from Dial-A-Ride, a door-to-door service available five days a week which allows passengers flexible travel options to special educational need school contracts, community group hire to volunteer car drivers.

There is also a Travel Buddy Scheme, for those needing assistance with their travels for whatever reason and its based on forming meaningful relationships. Individuals are paired up with someone who will accompany them on the journey to ensure they remain safe and secure whilst enjoying their freedom or hobbies and interests.

Different sectors of the community are supported, from assisting refugees and asylum seekers to get about, to delivering bikes to Ukrainian refugees. The aim is to bring communities together, for example, they launched the first electric community car club in the village of Henfield, which not only helps the environment but cuts costs and is accessible to all local residents.

Community Transport Sussex believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in society and this is reflected in everything they do. By working in partnerships with the NHS, other charities, voluntary groups, councils, and local authorities they can do more on limited resources to help more people.

Pre-pandemic CT Sussex was delivering 120,000 passenger journeys per year and have since increased these numbers. Working through Covid they facilitated more than 2500 journeys to vaccine centres for those who would not otherwise been able to get there. They are also currently running a vaccine hotline to arrange appointments.

One of the key aspects of Community Transport Sussex is its commitment to fostering independence among its users. By providing a reliable means of transportation, the service empowers individuals to maintain an active and engaged lifestyle. Drivers become friendly faces, compassionate listeners, and pillars of support for those they transport, they may also be the only person they see all day along with their fellow passengers. By ensuring that everyone has access to essential services and can participate in community life, the service contributes to the overall well-being of passengers and builds stronger communities.

The backbone of Community Transport Sussex is the dedicated team of volunteers, and there are ample opportunities for individuals to get involved. Whether it's offering your time behind the wheel, assisting with administrative tasks, or becoming a Travel Buddy which opens a world of friendship, your contribution can make a significant impact.

Passionate about fostering connectivity, independence, and inclusivity, Community Transport Sussex is proud to have attracted support from leading actors including Miriam Margolyes, James Bolam, Sue Jameson, Jason Flemyng, as well as Dame Esther Rantzen. Every journey helps to bridge communities and ensure that people of Sussex travel through life with dignity and support. The value provided to local communities cannot be underestimated and it provides a lifeline for so many people.

For more information visit: www.ctsussex.org.uk

Share

More from People

  • Hailsham House: More Than Just Care, It’s Home

    We asked Helen Stockton to visit Hailsham House Care Home, she discovered a place where the focus is on creating a warm, welcoming place to call home

  • Age UK East Sussex Needs You!

    Age UK East Sussex is looking for more volunteers, Rachel Kelly from the charity explains how the role often gives a sense of personal reward and comfort through helping others

  • Parkers Car & Truck Rental Celebrate 75 Years

    There’s a reason Parkers Car and Truck Rental are celebrating their 75th birthday, it’s because they excel at what they do, so Robert Veitch went to visit and learn more about the vehicle rental market

  • Have a Macmillan Coffee Morning!

    With this year’s Coffee Morning just around the corner on Friday 27 September, Adele Trathan speaks to Macmillan Cancer Support, who are calling on supporters to get involved again

  • "I quite like to end up with a setlist that involves a catalogue of human misery..." Nish Kumar on his return to stand-up comedy

    With a brand new stand-up tour coming to the UK later this year, including a number of shows in Sussex, we talk to comedian and TV present Nish Kumar about his time on The Mash Report, getting pelted with bread rolls at gigs, and why he always looks forward to playing shows in smaller towns...

  • Pure Inspiration

    Newly opened in Haywards Heath, Inspiration Gift Shop has the perfect present for every occasion. Hanna Prince pays owner Rachel Taylor a visit to find out more

  • Creating a Dream at The Pauline Quirke Academy

    With performing arts known to play a leading role in helping children to develop many valuable life skills, we asked Lisa de Silva to meet with Florence Tingley and Rebecca Goffin to find out more about the local Pauline Quirke Academies

  • A Little Slice of Heaven

    Farming, food and leisure are the three cornerstones of Heaven Farm, where you will find all three in abundance, including the newly refurbished Butler’s Pantry. Sara Whatley reports

  • Charity: Institute for Cancer Research

    The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is striving to improve the lives of people with all types of cancer – including those with the most challenging to treat. Scientist Dr Anguraj Sadanandam explains why support for this research is vital

  • Volunteer for Motor Neurone Disease Association

    The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that was established in 1979 to raise awareness, campaign for better care and support for people diagnosed with MND and their families, as Lisa Burnard from the charity explains

  • Riding to Success

    Not a coffee morning kind of couple, Alison and Henry are soon embarking on an ambitious UK tour on their 1960s scooters, all to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. Sara Whatley finds out more

  • Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

    St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved

  • Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

    As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains

  • The Joy of the Repair Café

    Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution

  • An Unlikely Retirement

    Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement

  • Matters of the Heart

    Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex

  • Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

    As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business

  • Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

    With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns

  • A Double Dose: Interview with Michael Mosley and Clare Bailey

    Husband and wife health gurus Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey are on a mission to bring healthy eating and living to the masses. They talk to Sara Whatley about their upcoming tour and the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet...

  • You've Got a Friend

    Mid Sussex charity Befriended has grown so much since it’s beginnings in 2017. Gail Miller tells Sara Whatley what they have been up to

© Sussex Living and Aiir 2024 | Unit 4 Regent Business Centre, 6 Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL