Next Government Urged to Prioritise Community Transport to Cut Local NHS Waiting lists

Bassetlaw Action Centre is backing the Community Transport Association’s call for the next UK government to utilise community solutions in a hard-hitting manifesto on the state of accessible transport across the UK.

The CTA manifesto, A Better Future for Transport: National Challenges, Community Solutions calls for a new and dynamic partnership between the next UK government, CTA and the Community Transport sector to continue to fill the gaps left by a shrinking bus network; respond to an ageing population, protect the future of the NHS and social care; tackle climate change, reduce poverty, inequality and the cost of living crisis, and level up the nations and regions of the UK.

CTA Director for Scotland, David Kelly said: “Investing in community solutions is essential to build a more accessible, affordable, and attractive transport system with far-reaching benefits.

“As we look towards the general election, it is vital the next UK Government fully values and invests in community transport. Working with communities is not only a pragmatic solution to alleviate pressures on our NHS and the social care system, but it is also the right thing to do to demonstrate our collective commitment to ensuring universal access and greater equality for generations to come.”

Paula Graham, Bassetlaw Action Centre’s Transport Manager said “We know just how important services like the Bassetlaw Community Car Scheme are, especially to rural or aging communities like Bassetlaw’s. We simply can’t run it without the support of local organisations and with their help more people are able to remain independently in their homes while still taking as active part in the community.”

Produced in collaboration with UK wide Community Transport operators and CTA members, the CTA Manifesto focuses on five key priorities based on the national challenges facing the UK;

• Modernising for Growth
• Improving Access to Health and Social Care
• Investing in Community Solutions
• Accelerating Community-led Climate Action
• Delivering a Fair Deal for Volunteers

CTA research found that trips to access health services are amongst the popular purposes for CT, to support people to get to GP surgeries, hospitals, hospices, vaccination centers and care homes.

Accessible ‘door-to-door’ or ‘door-through-door’ services by Community Transport make thousands of health and social care appointments possible every year and save millions of pounds through preventing missed appointments, delayed discharges and longer waiting lists.

Over the past year over 9000 journeys were facilitated by Bassetlaw Action Centre.  The service, which covers shopping and social visits as well as healthcare, is available for any Bassetlaw resident who is unable to access public transport.  More details can be found at www.bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk or by calling 01777 709650.

The benefits of community transport schemes run far beyond a single health-related journey. Launched in August 2022, CTA supported 18 pilot schemes, including in Bassetlaw,  through the Tackling Loneliness through CT project in a bid to research how transport policies can reduce the number of people feeling lonely in England.

93% of people participating in the project reported that accessing CT had a positive impact on feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Community Transport solutions and to join the campaign for Community Solutions can find out more at www.ctauk.org/manifesto2024/ or get involved on social media using #CommunitySolutions

Bassetlaw Action Centre Team Score A Hat Trick Of Awards

Bassetlaw Action Centre has recently received the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Embedding Inclusion Award at the recent GOGA awards ceremony in Birmingham.  This is in recognition of the involvement of Bassetlaw individuals in becoming more active.  This is not about joining a gym but is aimed at people with mental and/or physical health or with a long-term condition to become more engaged in regular activity and covers walk talk groups through to playing tennis. It has been instrumental in reducing social isolation amongst participants. 

In addition, Bassetlaw Action Centre won the value for money award at the Health and Care Awards for the Promoting Independence project which supports patients on discharge from hospital. The awards Ceremony took place at Nottingham University and the award was presented by Dr Kathy McLean, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.

Last, but not least, the Action Centre has also been nominated for a National Award by the Community Transport Association for the Community Transport Provider of the year 2023.  There are 3 finalists in the category and the winner will be announced in November at the awards ceremony at Birmingham NEC.

Achieving or being nominated for these awards confirms how the Action Centre really does make a difference throughout Bassetlaw and values the work and support of its staff and volunteers to meet the need of its service users.

Lynn Tupling, BAC Chief Executive said “I am so Incredibly proud of my staff and volunteers for being

recognised for their hard work, commitment and determination at both system and national level. These awards mean so much to us and demonstrate clearly the quality services provided by Bassetlaw Action Centre”.

Bassetlaw Action Centre re-awarded the Carer Friendly Employer Quality Mark

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In recognition of their continued commitment to identifying and supporting unpaid Carers in the workplace and in the community, the Bassetlaw Action Centre have been re-awarded the Carer Friendly Employer Quality Mark for the second year, and received the Carer Friendly Organisation Quality Mark. 

Bassetlaw Action Centre’s Natalie Manning (centre) being presented with two Quality Awards from Nottinghamshire Carers Association’s Elizabeth Choo (right) and Jayne Davies (left). 

Defibrillator in place at Bassetlaw Action Centre!

With thanks to funding from the Nottinghamshire County Council and Bassetlaw District Council Better care Fund we have had a defibrillator fitted outside of the the building. Anyone can use the defibrillator see instruction video below: