Project: Contribution towards transport vehicle for client use
Grant: £5,000
Fund: Kop Hill Climb
The Princes Risborough Centre provides day care services for adults of all ages with all types of disabilities and conditions. Clients receive care and support, mental and physical stimulation, and opportunities to socialise and have fun.
The centre provides an adapted minibus with an escort which is crucial for certain clients to get to and from the centre, as well as to access other activities such as trips and days out. Many of their clients are unable to use public transport as a result of both physical and mental disabilities.
In January 2018 the centre expanded and took over the running of another day centre in nearby Bourne End, stopping it from closing. This centre caters for elderly clients with aims to include adults with special needs in the near future.
From experience of working with clients based in Princes Risborough, the centre knew that there was a huge need for a comfortable, reliable and specially-equipped minibus for the Bourne End centre. They were kindly loaned one by Bucks County Council but this was a temporary solution until they could raise enough money to purchase their own.
This £5,000 grant from our Kop Hill Climb fund has contributed to the overall cost of purchasing a minibus and we are pleased to report that they are now able to transport their Bourne End clients to and from the day centre in a comfortable, reliable and up to date vehicle.
Maggie Wooster Keyte, trustee said:
One elderly gentleman told me that a number of the clients had been really concerned that the Bourne End Day Centre would close. Client numbers had steadily declined and on some days there were less than a handful attending.
Since the Princes Centre took over the provision of the day care service in Bourne End he says he has witnessed the changes made such as increased activities and has watched the numbers of clients increase.
However he stated that the clients initially worried that the Princes Centre would pull out but that the provision of the new minibus has reassured them all that they are firmly committed to continuing to provide the service which he considered to be vital for the welfare of the elderly in Bourne End.
