Teignbridge charity asks for ‘presence’ this Christmas

A Teignbridge charity is hoping for extra ‘presence’ this Christmas in the shape of new trustees sitting round the boardroom table.

Newton Abbot Community Transport Association – which operates across the district and beyond - has been helping isolated, lonely and vulnerable residents to get out and about since 1991.

It operates ring and ride minibuses, a door-to-door car service, scheduled bus routes that commercial companies have walked away from, shopmobility scooters and a mobility equipment sales business.

In the past year its ring and ride service has carried almost 4,000 passengers with another 6,000 transported in cars.

Its rural bus services includes routes in the Teign Valley, Dartmoor, and even some in Torbay and South Hams.

To boost its chances of continuing for another 34 years and more, the search is on for new trustees, in particular a secretary and treasurer.

Chairman Mike Hocking said: ‘We have a fantastic small team of employees and an incredible army of volunteers, but none of those can operate without a board of trustees overseeing the charity’s governance.

‘What’s more, the thousands of people who depend on our services are also reliant on a board being in place so please, come and talk with us about the opportunities we can offer and the gaps we know we’re going to have to fill soon.

‘The time for both our treasurer and secretary to step down is getting nearer and we’d really like to deliver a smooth transition with the existing and incoming post holders working together for a spell.

‘The time commitment really isn’t that great but the rewards are.

‘Knowing that you’re helping to provide a lifeline to some of our most isolated and vulnerable residents, young and not so young, is priceless.

‘We can be flexible about where and when we meet so if your working life limits your availability, we’ll adapt.

‘We’re also keen to hear from people who live with their own mobility challenges as their insight can be invaluable.

‘We’re not asking for much this Christmas, just a little extra presence around the boardroom table.’

Information about the charity can be found at www.newtonabbotcta.org.