Tackling loneliness and isolation among over 60s through increased use of community transport could save public services across the UK between £400 million and £1.1 billion a year, a new report claims.
The report by ECT Charity, a provider of local community transport services, is entitled Why Community Transport Matters. It includes a study of the positive effects that community transport can have on loneliness and isolation among older people, and argues that this can help them remain active members of society and reduce pressure on public services.
It also includes a study on measuring the social value of community transport, which the charity says ‘will help community transport organisations make a compelling case to commissioners on the value of their services’.
The charity defines community transport as transport services for people with disabilities, people who may be characterised as socially deprived and people experiencing social isolation, as well as services intended to support community cohesion.
ECT Charity says its report, which includes a ‘toolkit’ and a ‘practical measurement framework’ will help commissioners coping with budget cuts see the benefits and potential savings that community transport schemes can deliver.
Anna Whitty, Chief Executive of ECT Charity, said: ‘The next few years are going to be tough for the UK as budgets for public services continue to be cut. It is time to look at things in a different way and community transport is an important – but often invisible – part of the solution.’
She added: ‘We hope that, if you are a community transport manager, this report might encourage you to make use of the methodology to start measuring your social value. And, if you are from a local authority or clinical commissioning group, maybe these ideas will help you to look afresh at the community transport organisations in your area, and support them to help you achieve your aims of improving the health and wellbeing of the people in your community.’
Lilian Greenwood MP. Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said: ‘Upon reading this report, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the potentially huge benefits that community transport can deliver in communities and to public services all over the UK.’
