Building Better Futures Loan Helps Disabled Friendly Travel Service

16 August 2017

The service is seen as a vital support to people with disabilities enabling them to take part in normal activities within the community.

 

A loan facility from the Building Better Futures Fund will enable the organisation to further develop this valuable service through the purchase of additional vehicles, modernised meters and new billing equipment.

 

Destined Manager, Dermot O’Hara said: “We have put a lot of energy and resources into giving our members the skills and confidence to go about their everyday business such as going shopping, meeting friends, going for a cup of tea or coffee or going to see a film in the cinema.

 

''We have found in the past that they have encountered difficulties accessing transport especially at night and that at times their disability leads to misunderstandings with drivers.

 

''All our taxi drivers are now undertaking disability training to support not just the destined members but all people with disabilities including those with physical and sensory. Drivers are also offered specialised training in areas such sign language and physical access.

 

''The loan from the Building Better Futures Fund will enable us to develop the service further''.

 

Community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises are being encouraged to access the loans available through the Building Better Futures scheme which has been created and funded through a partnership between three leading local charities - Building Change Trust, Belfast Charitable Society and Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT).

 

The £1 Million fund which is being managed by UCIT provides small unsecured loans of £1,000 - £25,000 which cannot currently be raised from traditional sources. The loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buildings and repairs, equipment purchase, making facilities more energy efficient or funding shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects.