Edinburgh’s older people are set to enjoy improved social lives thanks to community transport being given a £225,000 funding boost and some of this money will be coming to Wester Hailes.
The City of Edinburgh Council and partners in the health, voluntary and independent sectors have invested the Change Fund monies into providing more minibus services in the capital.
Accessible transport provides an essential role in helping frail older people access activities in their community and across the city. This helps to tackle the social isolation that they may experience as well as improved health.
The Change Fund for Older People is national funding allocated to health and social care partnerships made up of local authority, NHS, voluntary and independent sectors.
Transport supports older people to live well in their local communities and maintain their independence in line with Council strategies such as the Live Well in Later Life Joint Commissioning Plan for Older People.
The Edinburgh Change Fund Partnership allocated the £225,000 across five community transport providers in the city:
•The Dove Centre,
•The Pilton Equalities Project,
•South Edinburgh Amenities Group,
•Lothian Communities Transport Services,
•Handicabs.
The Change Fund met up to 90% of the costs to each organisation.
Transport and Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Hinds said: “Many older vulnerable people feel isolated and providing them with transport so that that they can access activities will help to tackle this.
“Supporting older residents and their health and wellbeing is a Council priority, which is why we are spending £1.2m this year on reducing social isolation in communities.”
