Nailsea and District Community Transport, Bristol

We spoke to Jim Milton from Nailsea and District Community Transport (NDCT) to find out how our funding has helped them keep local people connected.

Tell us about the charity

Jim: "NDCT is a community transport provider, formed by volunteers thirty years ago to address a gap in public transport provision for people unable to travel without help in Nailsea and the surrounding area.

"We have over 500 members and offer a variety of services, such as taking people to shops, essential medical appointments and even on days out."

How does it help people in the local community?

Jim: "The charity, which has over 500 members, offers a variety of services, such as taking people to the shops, essential medical appointments and even on days out.

"Our wheelchair accessible minibuses pick people up and drop them off at their homes. We provide them with the additional help they need, such as an arm to hold or help with loading and unloading shopping.

"This provides huge reassurance and confidence to passengers and their relatives, that with a little help they can manage independently for longer, avoid loneliness and stay connected in their community."

A local resident benefiting from NDCT's services.

How did the community fund grant help the charity?

Jim: "The Community Fund grant of £4,000 has helped towards the running costs of the charity.

"Help from funders ensures that people who are poorly represented in local transport provision are not trapped in their homes.

"We have recently been able to assess that the value of a grant to NDCT gives four times the amount back to the community and to stakeholders."

What benefits do your members experience using NDCT?

Jim: "The people who use our services tell us that they couldn't manage without the help that we provide.

"But community transport is not just about getting people from A to B, it is so often a platform which helps to build friendships with other regular passengers as well as dignity, social connection, and a lifeline to everyday life.

"We notice how often people swap phone numbers and arrange to stop for a coffee with their fellow passengers before getting back on our buses."