CEN Accessible Transport Initiative
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Launches New Accessible Transport Initiative
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) is thrilled to introduce an innovative service aimed at addressing the transport needs of disabled individuals living on the Isle of Lewis. Through the generous support of Motability's Community Transport Grant Programme, CEN now offers an accessible vehicle designed to accommodate wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
The availability of this specialised vehicle marks a significant milestone in CEN's ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life and well-being of the community's disabled members. Mobility challenges, when combined with social isolation and loneliness, can significantly impact individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life and longevity.
In a community consultation conducted by CEN in 2022, transport emerged as a prominent barrier preventing some residents from engaging in social activities. This discovery emphasised the urgent need for improved transport options to foster greater inclusivity and participation among all community members.
Furthermore, CEN conducted a survey involving participants of their day club service, revealing that a substantial 80% of respondents experienced some form of mobility issue. These individuals identified a range of journeys they would undertake if provided access to suitable transportation. These journeys include attending local clubs, football matches, day trips, medical appointments, and travel to the airport or ferry terminal.
"The introduction of this accessible vehicle represents a major step forward in our efforts to create an inclusive and supportive community environment," said Anne Macleod, Operations Manager of Comunn Eachdraidh Nis. "We are immensely grateful for the support of Motability's Community Transport Grant Programme, which will enable us to enhance the lives of disabled individuals by providing them with newfound opportunities for social engagement and mobility."
Lisa Jones, Director of Charitable Operations at Motability, said: “We’re delighted to award Comunn Eachdraidh Nis with this grant to support the introduction of their new community transport service so that disabled people on the Isle of Lewis have greater access to travel.
Awarding grants to experienced organisations like Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, is the reason we launched our portfolio of impact programmes to support other charities and organisations to help make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis remains dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the community and looks forward to the positive impact this new service will have on the lives of disabled individuals on the Isle of Lewis.
For more information, please contact: Duncan MacKinnon, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, 01851 810 377, museum@cenonline.org
About Motability: Motability is a national charity set up with all party parliamentary support in 1977 and incorporated by Royal Charter.
We fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.