BACT, The Riverside Centre, Staithe Road, Bungay Suffolk. NR35 1EZ
Tel: 01986 896896 or 895665      Email: BACT

What is Community Transport

Beccles/Bungay Area Community Transport was established in 1997 and has grown rapidly throughout its short life. A management Committee of up to 15 members runs the organisation. The Committee employ a manager, a co-ordinator and an admin assistant to run the office, manage the day to day activities and co ordinate the drivers with the passenger requests. The current staff being Debbie Watson, Eric Harrison and Caroline Barton.

We aim to provide a transport service for people living in Beccles and Bungay and the surrounding villages who cannot use other forms of public transport easily. The service is available to the young, old, able-bodied, or infirm. Journeys are undertaken on a non-profit basis and the association is run to cover costs and provide an on going transport facility in the area. We use a pool of volunteer drivers who get a mileage allowance to cover their costs. Drivers are linked wherever possible to passengers in their locality to keep down mileage costs. Services are often available at subsidised rates supported by our local authorities.

Debbie Watson, Caroline Barton and Eric Harrison with chairman Arthur Fisher (seated)	The new vehicle has a superb ramp for wheelchair access and for the elderly and disabled.	The interior of the new 15 seater vehicle is very spacious giving passengers plenty of room

We take people shopping, to church, hospital, hairdressers, Doctors, and Chiropody appointments, and to visit friends. We've even been known to take pets to the vets. We also cover many journeys throughout Norfolk and Suffolk taking elderly Clients into Day centres, patients for medical appointments, disabled people into workshops etc. We also have a wheelchair accessible car and minibus, both of which are available for clubs/organisations and private hire.

Who can drive for Community Transport Services

All sorts of people offer their time to Community Transport schemes. Retired, early retired, those in part-time employment, those with time to spare. And they come from all walks of life. A caring approach and a liking of the open road are really the only requirements. Passengers are carried daily, many trips are in and around town, but others are further afield. Drivers choose how often and how far

All journeys are paid for. Some by passengers paying cash directly to the driver, others are paid for by Social Services or other organisations at the end of each month. Costs are calculated by using a mileage allowance, approved by Suffolk or Norfolk County Councils, based on AA/RAC figures for the overall running costs of a car (including fuel, insurance, tax, servicing). Drivers should never find themselves out of pocket.

Why become a volunteer for B.A.C.T

There are many reasons why people become volunteers. Sometimes it is to help people less fortunate than ourselves, to put back something into society, some enjoy helping people, some to occupy free time, others to meet new people and make new friends, some people like driving, some to give themselves a sense of responsibility or to increase personal esteem or self confidence. It also looks good on a C.V. too! Whatever your reasons, you will feel valued, appreciated and can look forward to maybe learning new skills, training, being part of a team/organisation with a loyal backing behind you.

We recruit new volunteers wherever we can - we can never have enough! We try recruiting through the local press, parish magazines, shop windows, leaflets and by word of mouth. Any suggestions? We would always be pleased to hear your ideas.

Potential volunteers are requested to complete a short application form to give basic personal information e.g. name, address, date of birth, car details including insurance details. Two references are required and an indication as to the volunteer's availability for driving and a copy of MOT certificates and insurance details are taken. Drivers are required to notify their Insurance company of their volunteer work undertaken in their cars.

Volunteers Job Description
To transport and assist service users to their destinations as agreed by the Co-ordinator or manager by the shortest route possible. To report problems arising to the Coordinator/Manager, supply work returns correctly and on time, be aware of all Health and Safety issues and to supply information regarding vehicles or convictions and attend any training relevant to the above tasks.

If you can help please contact us on 01986 896896 - All you need is a car and a desire to help people.

Can you help - Pop in to see us or give us a ring.