New community transport minibuses worth over £110,000 were unveiled to help tackle isolation and loneliness in Hampshire. 

Community Action Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Action both received a brand new minibus as part of their ‘Community Transport’ scheme, which has received the support of Hampshire County Council and local MPs Suella Fernandes and Caroline Dineage. 

Fareham MP Suella Fernandes joined volunteers and staff at the launch and handed the keys for the new minibus to volunteer driver, Terry Gingell, of Community Action Fareham. 

The minibuses – which are fully equipped with handrails, low steps for elderly or disabled people and a lift or ramp for wheelchair and walking frame users – will enable everyone to get about in the community. 

The new buses will particularly help to connect older and disabled people, who need support when travelling or to be assisted, to connect with the community stopping people at risk from becoming isolated or lonely. 

The service is also available for charities, youth associations, schools and community groups. 

The Department for Transport directly covered the full cost of both vehicles which together are worth over £110,000.

For the past two years Community Transport has benefited from free parking for its Fareham and Gosport fleets, which is provided for by Vector Aerospace on its Fareham Road offices at no cost, saving around £8,000 per year. 

Commenting after the launch, Suella said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to launch the new fleet of community minibuses. 

“We often take for granted having mobility and how important this is for living independently. But for many people in our community just getting about can be a struggle.

“The new community minibuses will play an important role in connecting people, especially those who are elderly or disabled, with the community around them. This really shows how the community can come together to help tackle issues.”