Entertainment was provided by the Baked Bean Theatre Company, which works with people with learning disabilities and has used Community Transport minibuses since it was formed over 10 years ago. They presented some excerpts from their latest work “Space Up Your Life” which were so full of energy and fun that the rest of the afternoon was guaranteed to be a success.

The Mayor presided over the event and presented awards to several volunteers who had given outstanding service over many years.

“It was great to see such an amazing turn out” said Managing Director Manuel Button “and to have the opportunity to say thank you to the Council that have supported us so well over so many years, as well as to the volunteers that have made it all possible. From small acorns great oaks do grow, and I feel our organisation is a great example of this and of what can be achieved by local people working together in partnership.”

Wandsworth Community provides minibus transport for local organisations and its Shopmobilty service provides for some of the most isolated elderly and disabled people in the Borough, providing regular door-to-door shopping trips and trips out to the coast and places of interest.

Anyone who would like to find out more or to join the award winning team of volunteers, should call Manuel on 020 8675 3812.

Background Information

Wandsworth Community Transport (WCT) provides accessible minibuses to community groups and individuals in Wandsworth. In addition, WCT offers trips to elderly and disabled residents of the borough. Application forms for membership may be obtained by telephoning WCT on 020-8675 3812.

WCT vehicles are fitted with seat belts for every passenger, are fully accessible with taillifts for passengers with mobility difficulties and users of wheelchairs. Fully trained, caring drivers and, if necessary escorts are provided for all trips to ensure the maximum comfort for passengers.

WCT is funded by the local Council and is established to provide services that benefit disabled and elderly residents and local voluntary and community organisations in Wandsworth. WCT has been involved in providing these services since 1983.WCT runs Wandsworth Shopmobility, based at Sainsbury’s Supermarket on Garratt Lane, which provides, on loan and free of charge, powered scooters, electric or manual wheelchairs, and a volunteer escort, if necessary, to help anyone with a mobility problem.

“It’s great news for all our members” said Managing Director Manuel Button, “and we can promise that we will continue to deliver top quality services to the people of Wandsworth and take every opportunity to draw in additional funding and expand our range of services.

In particular we see door-to-door transport for elderly and disabled people as a growth area. Growing dissatisfaction with Dial-a-Ride and Taxi Card seems to be heading towards a system where other providers like ourselves are brought in to meet demand. We firmly believe that local demand met by local organisations provides a much better service and we think we have much to offer.

Regarding the future, the security of a 5 year contract will really help us develop our business plans, but remember, we rely on the people of Wandsworth (who are all our potential members) to tell us where the needs are and what we can do to help. We are always ready for a challenge and to solve new problems. School runs, social car schemes, plus buses, car sharing and specialised training are just a few additional areas we work in. We do much more than just hire out minibuses.

The cost is £4 per trip (lunch and entry fees not included) or £8 for full days out to the coast in the summer. When you book, we will take your details and keep you informed of future outings.

We initially got some funding from the Active Days Programme to run these trips, but now need some extra funding if we are to keep these outings going throughout the summer. We hope that the group will become as self-sufficient as possible, deciding on destinations, charging fares and even providing its own drivers. Singles, couples or friends are all equally welcome – you can socialise, or do your own thing.

So please do give us a call to book up and join the Active Days Outings Club. Pick ups will be from centralised points like Clapham Junction, Tooting Bec, Roehampton Lane etc, and we will tell you the nearest point and pick up time when you book.

We hope this will be the start of great things to come, so don’t be shy, give it a try – you have nothing to lose.

020-8675 7460

“The credit is again mainly due to our marvellous team of volunteers, who look after our elderly and disabled passengers, pushing wheelchairs, giving a helping arm, and loading the shopping trolleys” said Shopmobility Manager Marcia Millington.

“But what makes them special is the extra they give, which is so much more than just helping people with their shopping! For many of our passenegrs, their weekly trip out is the only time they get out from within the prison of their four walls, and the friendship, care and company they receive from their regular volunteers makes a huge difference in their lives. Many develop long lasting relationships which go far beyond the basic requirements of helping them shop, and it is this level of extra attention that has made our volunteers worthy winners of this award for “Outstanding Customer Care.”

Wandsworth Community Transport is also particularly pleased to receive recognition as a “Business”. For too long the voluntary sector has been perceived as well meaning amateurs who try their best to help. This is far from the case. We are the new breed of Social Enterprises that compete in the open market to provide the highest level of services, whilst still promoting equality of opportunity for staff, volunteers and service users. All the money we get, be it from grant, contract or donation, goes to make us the best rather than to pay shareholders – and it shows!