Estune Lodge were delighted to be asked to provide several fluorescent fleeces for the volunteer drivers of Nailsea and District Community Transport (NDCT).  The fleeces embroidered with the logo of both NDCT and Estune were delivered by W, Bro Martin Hockley, Charity Steward.

NDCT provide an essential door-to-door transport service for local older, disabled or disadvantaged residents who would otherwise not be able to live independently and become isolated. By offering safe, inclusive and accessible transport, they help people stay connected, access essential services, and fully participate in their community.

Why NDCT is needed?

‘North Somerset Council’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Needs Assessment and Strategy (2019)’ estimates that 31% of people over 65 in North Somerset are lonely ‘sometimes’ and a further 7% feel lonely ‘often’, or ‘always’ – put another way, almost one in four residents over 65 experience some level of loneliness. Inadequate public transport limits residents’ ability to access healthcare, maintain independence, participate in leisure activities, and avoid social isolation.

Access to transportation influences nearly every aspect of later life, including healthcare access, independence, and participation in health-promoting activities like exercise and social interaction. Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognised as a Public Health priority, due to the impact on health outcomes, and rising prevalence. The World Health Organisation highlights that there is now a large body of evidence showing the impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and lifespan, comparable to well established risks like smoking and physical inactivity. NDCT are helping to combat isolation and loneliness through their services, and it is likely that demand will continue to grow.

What do NDCT provide?

• Shopping: Each week they run 12 shopping trips transporting 110 people
• Day Trips: NDCT run over 100 day trips a year.
• Dial a Rides: Flexible Dial-a-Ride service helps people attend medical appointments, visit loved ones, meet friends, or get to activities.
• Community group bookings: They offer regular pickups for those attending local group activities. Over the last 12 months they have transported 1,068 passengers in collaboration with community groups.

Using the Community Transport Associations model, during the last year they have delivered a social value of over £750,000 – this shows the significant positive impact these services have had on the community, beyond just financial metrics.

Photo: W. Bro Martin Hockley with members of the NDTC