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Community Spotlight: Wandsworth Community Transport
This week, our Community Reporter Rachel Johnstone tells us all about Wandsworth Community Transport – a vital local service that helps local elderly & disabled residents to stay independent.
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Based on Yukon Road in Balham, Wandsworth Community Transport (WCT) is a registered charity that specialises in helping those less mobile people in the borough to get out & about! Whether it’s a trip to the shops or a day at the beach, their fleet of 25 mini buses is on hand to ensure that this group of local residents are not stuck in their homes.
You have likely seen the little red buses scooting all over your local area? Although mainly focused on helping the elderly and disabled stay involved and independent, local groups are also encouraged to take advantage. Therefore local schools, volunteer groups, and sports teams looking for assistance should give Manuel Button a call. As the Managing Director, he’s keen to hear from you and will help you organise your next trip!
As a charity, donations are hugely important for WCT. As many elderly people travel free on public transport, they’re keen to keep costs as low as possible to help those who are disadvantaged and need further assistance. Their goal is to raise £15,000 a year to keep weekly shopping trips down to as little as £2.50. If you think you can help and are able to donate, please find a link to their website and donation page here.
Manuel tells us all about WCT and their need for more volunteers:
"We have a fleet of minibuses which are designed so that anyone can travel - even if you need to stay in your wheelchair. We arrange door to door transport to Wandsworth town centre and the Shopmobility service, days out to the coast and places of interest and pub lunches. Our passengers often get to know each other and become good friends. A moderate fare is charged for all journeys.
"Volunteers are a vital part of this service - we are always desperate for more help and there is nothing sadder than having to cancel someone looking forward to a rare day out because we can’t find anyone to go with them. We have a fantastic team of volunteers who push wheelchairs or just give a guiding arm, but we have so much demand that sometimes we can't help everyone."
"Volunteering can be for as little as a 1 1/2 hours a week and it can make a huge difference to someone's life - and you can do your shopping at the same time!"
If you'd like to find out more about WCT, the trips they offer and how you can get involved either as a resident, group or volunteer, visit their website, call 020-8675 7460, or email w.c.t@btconnect.com
Would you like your local group to be featured in our series? Whether a community group, charity, business organisation, sports team, drama club or anything else – we’d love to hear from you! Simply email details to info@localnewsie.co.uk!