A COMMUNITY group has received a grant worth over £200k which has been described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity'.
Green Community Travel, based just outside Yate and who provide transport for those who can't access it, run different services for residents without access to public transport - these include shopping trips, taking them to hospital appointments and many other important activities.
They have now been successful in a grant application to the Motability Foundation.
At over £220,000 it will enable them to purchase three new accessible minibuses, one of which will be electric.
Motability Foundation help fund charities and organisations who give disabled people everyday transport options, from community buses to wheelchairs.
The grant they applied for is to improve their vehicle supply and increase the number of volunteers they have.
The group have also set themselves targets such as helping more people that consider themselves disabled and helping an increased number of younger people.
GCT’s manager Jenny Bright described this grant as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity'.
She said: "The difference that these new vehicles will make to our organisation will be very long lasting.
"The funds have also supported some advertising, training for our volunteers as well as some volunteer events to try to recruit some more amazing volunteers to join our team.
"The improved flexibility of seating of these minibuses will also mean we can do even more for those passenger that use us that consider themselves disabled."
"A huge thank you to the Motability Foundation for this incredible opportunity and support to our organisation."
Lisa Jones, director of charitable operations at the Motability Foundation, said:
“We’re delighted to award Green Community Travel with this grant to support with new buses for their community transport service, so that disabled people in South Gloucestershire have greater access to travel.
“For many disabled people, transport can be a challenge, so having access to a service like this can be a lifeline.
"Awarding grants to experienced community transport organisations, like Green Community Travel, helps disabled people make the journeys they choose."
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