Council to bring Community transport providers together

Representatives from across the Highlands are being invited to a meeting that will focus on the current provision and future of Community Transport.

The event, organised and hosted by The Highland Council, will take place at Council HQ in Inverness on Wednesday 13 August. It will be an opportunity for community transport providers to come together and discuss future opportunities. NHS Highlands will be in attendance to explore options for growth in community transport across the highlands and explore collaborative working.

Community transport initiatives across the Highlands currently receive funding from The Highland Council to support them with the important role they play in delivering lifeline services to their local communities.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “In the Highlands Community Transport providers play a vital role to address local unique circumstances and opportunities.

“We want to empower communities to set up services in a way which suits them.  The services already running all bring important social benefits to communities where any option of public transport either does not exist or is very limited. It’s about proactively finding solutions which most closely address and meet local transport needs, with the added benefit of empowering individuals and the broader community.”

“We hope providers take up this opportunity to come along as this is a valuable networking opportunity. It is a chance to learn from one another, share best practice, and explore future opportunities together.”

The meeting starts at 10am. Following a welcome, opening remarks and introductions, the agenda will look at an overview of current Community Transport projects operating in the Highland Council area, before the focus switches to opportunities and the future.

The meeting will be held in person, with the option to join remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend on the day. Invitations have been issued to Community Transport groups. Already confirmed as attending are representatives from Beauly and District Care Project, CEC Boleskin, Kingussie Camanachd Club, Partnerships for Wellbeing, Tigh Na Drochaid/ Aird Ferry, Wheels in Nairnshire and P4W.

Anyone interested in attending but may not have yet received an invitation to come along should contact kirstin.rattray@highland.gov.uk.