Highland Council On Board For CTWeek25

The Highland Council will be supporting CTWeek25 - a national celebration to showcase how community transport services are integral to local lives.

CTWeek25 runs from 13 – 17 October. This year’s theme, “More Than a Minibus”, highlights how Community Transport plays a crucial role far beyond simply moving people from one place to another.

In a typical year, Highland Community Transport Groups that the Council supports provide 25,000 volunteer hours.

Speaking ahead of the CTWeek25 Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “From supporting the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups, to ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment, Community Transport providers across the Highlands play a vital role in making sure that no one is left behind.

“CTWeek25 is the perfect time to show our appreciation to all the dedicated staff and volunteers that provide essential services that are a lifeline for people across our local communities.”

In August the Council brought together community transport providers along with representatives from the NHS to focus on developing the network and to explore options for growth and collaborative working.

The day was well attended and very positive, with plenty of opportunities for networking. Going forward this new platform will help the network of providers, the Council and other stakeholders, including NHS Highland, build relationships and create closer collaboration.

Topics discussed included potential funding opportunities, addressing gaps in transport provision, the availability and tariffs of EV charging across the Highlands, mobility vehicles, funding streams, the pivotal role volunteers play, identifying new opportunities and finding creative solutions.

The Council also highlighted that it is very keen to build on the model of using community transport providers to fill gaps in school transport provision.