Picture: Alan Mak MP with Community First Chief Executive Tim Houghton and some of the team
A Havant charity which provides crucial transport for older people in the community had its new minibus officially tested out by MP Alan Mak on Wednesday (17 August).
The Community First bus was bought using funds from the Department of Transport and is being used for a number of projects across Havant.
It comes not long after the charity were handed a grant of £50,000 by the National Lottery to fund the successful Silver Linings project at Hewitt’s in Emsworth.
Havant MP Alan Mak was on hand to see the new minibus, as well as meeting some of the users of service.
Alan Mak MP said: “I’m delighted that Government funds have allowed Community First to buy a new minibus. I enjoyed seeing first-hand the superb work done by their staff and volunteers and seeing the new bus in action. They’re a fantastic charity which I’m proud to fully support. This new minibus will allow Community First to continue to serve the people of Havant and Emsworth, and is really valuable community asset.”
Mr Mak added: “Helping older people and making sure they do not become isolated is a priority for me. That’s why I’m organising our area’s first Older Persons Information Fair in October which will bring together a wide range of providers and charities to showcase what is available for older people locally”.
In addition to providing transport for the Silver Linings project, the bus has been used, among others, by the Unity Nautical Training Corps and Kids South East. They have a number of minibuses which are available to hire.
Community First’s Chief Executive, Tim Houghton, said: “As our local MP, Alan has always been a firm supporter of Community First and it was a pleasure to welcome him to see our new minibus in action. The minibus will be a vital resource that helps us continue our work helping older people locally, and we’re grateful to Alan for his support.”
Mr Houghton added: “The lunch clubs are an important part of our community work, so the new minibuses are vital if we are to continue providing this service to some of our less mobile members.”
The charity run a lunch club Monday to Thursday at Hewitt’s on South Street in Emsworth. The club is staffed by The Right to Work Community Interest Company (CIC) who offer the opportunity for people with learning disabilities to gain valuable workplace experience.
Mr Mak’s first Older Persons Information Fair takes place on 14 October at Hayling Island Community Centre. The News and the Hayling Islander are media partners. The event is free and will bring together local charities, businesses, community groups and government agencies that help older people.
For information about the service provided by Community First visit cfheh.org.uk.