Vulnerable and elderly residents can travel further for free and be able to access more activities to help keep them fit thanks to public health funding.

Bromsgrove District Council have been successful in bidding for additional funding from Worcestershire Public Health, made available to help those most impacted by Covid, to support the transport of people to council-run community exercise sessions helping the lonely, elderly, disabled and vulnerable.

Residents who are eligible for BURT Community Transport, usually those who are unable to access public transport easily due to disability or older age, can now use the transport for free in order to attend council-run community exercise classes designed to improve mobility, prevent falls, and help vulnerable people stay independent in their homes.

If you want to discuss this please contact our Sports Development team.

The extra funding will cover the cost usually charged for this service (or alternatively the registration set up fee) and will be available until the end of March.

All transport will need to be pre-booked and uses volunteer driven cars and multi-purpose vehicles.

Please note that council-run community exercise classes are closed for the festive period and will reopen again in the New Year.

Please be aware this funding is only eligible for use by participants attending the council’s community classes and cannot be used for other exercise sessions or other journeys (i.e. shopping).

Portfolio Holder for Health and Well Being, Cllr Shirley Webb, said: “We know that transport can be a barrier when it comes to our elderly and vulnerable population engaging in activities that can help them in the long term, so this funding will be greatly appreciated and has the potential to make a big difference to lots of people.”

Drive a taxi and want to help?

To deliver additional free services, the council will be working alongside BURT and others.

The council is also asking any local taxi drivers who are interested in supporting the scheme in outlying areas, where traditional Community Transport is not as readily available. If you are able to help, please contact Hayley Gwilliam on 01527 881404 or email Hayley.Gwilliam@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk