Bus fighting social isolation gets on the road

A new community transport initiative has been launched in Surrey to help tackle social isolation and improve access for residents.

Woking Borough Council said it had worked with local voluntary groups and organisations to make available a community bus.

The vehicle will transport people to events, locations and activities, "addressing one of the key barriers residents face when trying to stay socially connected", it said.

Sandra Smook, who founded the charity Silver Friends that will manage the bus, said: "Reliable transport is often the missing link for many local charities, particularly for older residents who may struggle to get out and about."

The vehicle was donated by Woking Community Transport, while the North West Surrey Alliance health partnership contributed £4,500 towards initial set up and operating costs.

The local authority worked with Woking Community Transport and the Woking Healthy Communities Partnership Board to deliver the initiative.

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