Update on the provision of transport

It was a shock when we learnt shortly before our December meeting that Back&4th had ceased trading. With such short notice and at such a busy time of the year, despite extensive searching, we were unable to organise alternative transport. Sadly, those who regularly used Back&4th were unable to get to our seasonal meeting.

We are delighted that we have been able to speak to Paul at Driving Miss Daisy. Paul is based in Stratford but has a second vehicle and driver. Driving Miss Daisy is a franchise company which specialises in providing both accessible transport and companionship. This means that clients are not only taken where they want to go, but the driver will stay with them. Paul has offered us offered us a generous discount meaning that we can continue to offer transport to our regular six passengers. As the vehicles take just three passengers, the driver will make two trips.

 

It does mean that our capacity to assist more carers is currently full.  

 

 

 

 

 

Help with transport getting to meetings

 

We support carers who live in Kineton but also further afield, in nearby villages and the surrounding rural area. In practice, people attend our meetings who live roughly within about fifteen miles of Kineton. If carers do not have their own transport, limited public bus services can make coming to our meetings almost impossible, especially if they have accessibility needs.

In 2023 we took the decision to book the Back&4th Community minibus for anyone wishing to come to our meetings from the direction of Wellesbourne. The minibus, with friendly and helpful volunteer drivers, will pick you up from your home address or from Wellesbourne Village Hall.  It will also collect carers and companions living enroute to Kineton or in and around Kineton and being fully accessible means anyone who uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid can board.

Travelling by minibus is, of course, much more environmentally friendly than bringing the car even if you do drive, it’s an opportunity for someone else to do the driving and it’s more fun travelling with others. Simply let us know the Friday before the monthly meeting and we will contact you the following week with a pick-up time.  For those able to pay it, we welcome a small donation towards the cost.