As the UK recognises National Loneliness Week, (13-17 June) Ealing Community Transport (ECT) is making it possible for vulnerable and isolated older people to get out and about. With depots across the UK, ECT's fleet of community PlusBuses gives people access to transport they wouldn’t otherwise have, meaning they can improve their lives by meeting friends and family, and getting to essential services like their doctor or the shops.
Loneliness affects 1.4million older people in the UK and is now widely recognised as a major issue. John Chesters CEO of ECT says; “We can all experience loneliness, and for those without a car, less able to jump on a bus or who feel nervous about using public transport the feelings of isolation can build up. Being able to visit friends or get to the shops keeps us active, connected and healthy. Our door-to-door PlusBus service helps people to do that.”
ECT is a charity established in 1979 and operates in Cheshire, Ealing and Dorset. As well as its PlusBus service, the charity offers a range of services to make life easier. This includes Dial-a-Ride (part of the Transport for London services), Plus Bus for Health (which works in partnership with the NHS and 72 GP surgeries in Ealing offering a door- to- door service for those less able to travel to their GP) and also provides plus group travel for community groups and works with the council providing home-to-school transport.
John explains: “Our PlusBus service is for people who can’t use public transport, or their own, or maybe they aren’t confident using mainstream services, or they have mobility requirements, or simply need some extra help to start their journey. You can register by calling the office. You can travel with us for £5 return, or use your national bus pass - and bring a companion too. You’d be surprised how many people out there don’t realise how we can help them, and we’d like to change that.”
ECT is a pioneer of direct response community travel for vulnerable and older people who can’t access mainstream transport, either because their local services have been stopped, or they lack confidence or have mobility requirements. ECT's door-to-door service can be a life-saver for individuals and community groups. To find out if we have a service near you, call us on: 020 88133210 or email: info@ectcharity.co.uk
