Advocacy Information & Advice—Transport

There is some help with transport available for people with mental health problems. Some of the day centres and work centres will reimburse people’s bus fares or arrange to bring people in to the centre by the hospital car service or taxi. How this is done depends on the centre and you should ask at individual centres.

Fares to Hospital

People on certain benefits and holders of low income certificates HC2 are entitled to a refund of essential fares to and from hospital for themselves and their dependants. (see page …)You must use the cheapest means of travel available. This is normally bus, but petrol costs or taxi fares may be paid if there is no public transport or if your disability prevents you using it.

Other people on low income (and their dependants) who hold a certificate HC3 are entitled to a contribution towards their travel costs.

In all cases, apply directly at the hospital for your money. You must prove your entitlement by showing either your certificate or proof of benefit (payment book or award letter).

Railcard

People will not normally qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard as a result of mental health problems alone, but you will do so if you receive Disability Living Allowance (Middle or Higher Rate Care Component) or if you receive Severe Disablement Allowance.  The card entitles you to one third of most train fares.

Local Contacts

Nene & Ouse Community Transport

Tel: 01480 411114
Tel: 01832 733336

This service is for those who have difficulty using public transport or taxis for various reasons such as where they live, disabilities, the cost etc. They may use a wheelchair, walking aid, electric scooter or have young children and a pram or pushchair. Dial-a-Ride operate a true door-to-door service, with pre-booked seats, in modern, safe, specially adapted wheelchair accessible minibuses driven by MiDAS trained, professional drivers for ALL members in our local community. Please telephone for an information pack.

Huntingdon Volunteer Bureau
The Methodist Church
High Street
Huntingdon
PE29 3TE

Tel: 01480 414766
Email: Huntingdon-vb@hotmail.co.uk

Contact: Mrs.Sandra Attewell

The Bureau matches volunteers to those individuals and organisations who need them. This Bureau provides a Social Car Service which offers door to door transport to people who are unable to use conventional public transport. Journeys are arranged through the Bureau and provided by volunteers using their own cars. Passengers make a contribution of 34 pence per mile towards the cost of their journey. This covers the drivers petrol costs and some of the wear and tear on the car. Please note that a minimum contribution of £1.50 applies to all journeys. When booking a journey please give as much notice as possible. They are open Monday – Thursday, 10.00am - 12.00 noon.

Buss Passes: Huntingdonshire District Council Services Division
St Mary’s Street
Huntingdon
Cambs
PE18 0J

Tel: 01480 388388
Website: www.huntsdc.gov.uk

Community Bus Association, Ramsey & District
Methodist Hall
High Street
Ramsey
PE26 1AA

Tel: 01487 815543
Monday – Thursday from 10.00am - 12 noon (answerphone out of hours)

The Association has a fully accessible mini bus, mainly for group hire but can be booked for individual members. All drivers are volunteers. Mileage charge on request. New drivers always needed.

Ramsey, Warboys & District Volunteer Centre
Methodist Hall
High Street
Ramsey
PE26 1AA

Ramsey office Tel: 01487 814117
Open Monday – Thursday, 10.00am - 12 noon

Warboys Resource Centre Tel: 01487 823476
Open Monday from 12.00 - 2.00pm and Friday from 10.00 - 12 noon.

An answerphone is available at other times.
The Bureau matches volunteers to those individuals and organisations who need them. The Bureau also runs a Social Car Scheme for the disabled and elderly (for those unable to use public transport) which cost 34p/mile.

St Ives Volunteer Bureau
Free Church Centre
Market Hill
St Ives
PE27 5AL

Tel: 01480 301462

The Bureau matches volunteers to those individuals and organisations who need them. It also runs a Social Car Scheme which cost 34/mile (from the drivers home). They are open from 12.30 – 3.00pm on Monday -Thursdays.

St. Neots Volunteer Bureau
Oak House
28 New Street
St. Neots
PE19 1AJ

Tel: 01480 476047

The Bureau matches volunteers with individuals and organisations that need them. The Bureau also runs a Social Car Scheme which costs 34p/mile. The Bureau is open from 11 am – 1 pm Monday to Thursday, but the answerphone is on at other times for messages.

Warboys Resource Centre

Tel: 01487 823476

Open Monday from 12.00 - 2.00pm and Friday from 10.00 - 12 noon. An answerphone is available at other times.