As a charity, we are always in need of extra support for the work of the centre and the development of the skills of our members.
The centre and its members are truly grateful for every contribution, however small.
Centre 81’s door-to-door community bus service had a surprise passenger on board one of its trips from Great Yarmouth.
Mike Jackson, Director of Environment, Transport and Development at Norfolk County Council decided to take a ride out to Martham to see how the service operated and chat to members.
“He kept a promise to visit Centre 81 and was happy to take a trip to one of the more isolated areas and meet a range of bus users with various disabilities,” said centre manager Diana Staines.
“It was part of the council’s customer relations day but also gave him a first hand look at community transport and we believe he saw a good example of it at work.”
The service has run for many years serving more than 650 members through its eight minibuses running a five-day service to people with disabilities or unable to use traditional buses. It helps them meet up with friends and relatives, go on shopping trips, attend clubs, travel to and from the centre itself or enjoy outings further afield.
Mr Jackson also talked to Phil Clarke, administrator for the door-to-door service, and said afterwards that he had found the visit interesting and informative.
“Our department helps fund these services and we are keen to encourage more provision of this type,” he said.
“It was really useful to meet some of the users and hear what they had to say about the services. The staff explained the challenges they face - but also emphasised how much satisfaction they get out of their work."
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