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Transport

The need for better access to Transport across West Northumberland is widely acknowledged. We set up West Northumberland Community Transport Network to enable discussions to take place to achieve a realistic understanding of where the gaps are, what is needed and by who, and discuss practical solutions.

Conversations are currently taking place with organisations, charities and members of the public, existing Community Transport providers of successful schemes in other parts of the North East, and with the national Community Transport Association.   

These early discussions indicate that a Community Transport Scheme across West Northumberland could be a way forward – especially in our rural and deep rural areas – enabling more people to participate in social opportunities in their communities, attend appointments, access vital public services and bridge divides. 

The Community Transport Association says:

Community transport provides flexible and accessible community-led solutions in response to unmet local transport needs and often represents the only means of transport for many vulnerable and isolated people, often older people or people with disabilities.

Community transport has enormous social and economic benefits to communities all across the United Kingdom. Its role in combating loneliness and social isolation, helping people remain independent and access their communities can’t be overstated. Because of community transport, tens of thousands of individuals can access the transport they need, regardless of their circumstances.

If you would like to join in with the discussion, or you would like to email your thoughts, please contact: caroline.clarke@ccptynedale.org.uk

If you have experience of working in a Transport scheme and would like to be part of next steps, please contact John churchandcommunitypartnership@gmail.com

The organisations currently involved in the discussions are:

  • Adapt North East.
  • Alzheimer’s Society, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Durham branch.
  • Chatty Café Bellingham.
  • Church and Community Partnership Tynedale.
  • Community Cuppa, Kielder.
  • Community Transport Association.
  • Corbridge Community Partnership.
  • Karbon Homes.
  • Chrysalis Club
  • Family Hubs.
  • Northumberland Community Voluntary Action.
  • Northumberland Maternity Service, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust.
  • Haltwhistle Partnership.
  • Living Well   – Social Prescribers.
  • Meet and Eat, Allendale.
  • North Tyne Methodist Circuit.
  • Northumberland Communities Together.
  • Number 28.
  • Parkinson’s UK.
  • Public Health,  Northumberland County Council
  • St James Church, Riding Mill.
  • St Peter’s Church, Falstone Coffee and Chat. 
  • The Blue Book.
  • The Parish of Haltwhistle, Beltingham with Henshaw, and Greenhead. 
  • The Ray Wind Fund CIC.
  • The Sele Medical Practice.
  • Tynedale Hospice at Home. 
  • The 0-19 Children’s Service, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust. West Northumberland Foodbank.