AM visits community bus service which is lifeline for elderly

The charitable organisation based in Cwmbran Shopping Centre has served disabled, elderly and people with limited mobility for the past 30 years and makes 28,000 annual journeys.

The assembly member praised the work of the staff and volunteers of the charity and acknowledged the help Torfaen Community Transport provides to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people.

“It is fantastic to see projects like this running in Torfaen and I am pleased to see it is well used,” she said.

“This is an essential part of the community as it can lead to health problems which are associated with loneliness.”

Mrs Neagle met with four women who had finished their lunchtime activities at the Widdershins Centre, which is run by Age Connects Torfaen.

“One lady who used the service lives on her own and could easily become stuck there without Torfaen Community Transport,” said Mrs Neagle.

Cllr John Cunningham is the charity’s chairman, but first became involved with Torfaen Community Transport in 1989 and has seen the benefits that the project has created.

“We were able to show Mrs Neagle the clients we serve in the community, some of whom are really cut off, said the councillor.

“They would not be able to go anywhere or socialise without us.”

He added that the staff and volunteers create personal relationships with the service users to help cater to the needs of their clients.

Megan Rosser-Davies is the charity’s manager and was thankful for the visit of the Torfaen politician.

“It is quite important that Mrs Neagle was able to come down to see and experience what we do,” she said.

“She will be able to go back to the assembly and help to fight our cause.”

Torfaen Community Transport also offers Shopmobility with wheelchairs and scooters for hire alongside the bus services.

The charity requires the help of volunteers to provide the service. Anyone who would like to volunteer can call 01633 874686 for more information.