Features / hartcliffe
The bus providing a lifeline for many Bristolians
Buses are rarely praised by Bristolians, but one particular service is credited with transforming the lives of people who might otherwise face loneliness and isolation.
Community owned and run, the CATT bus operates throughout south Bristol, picking passengers up from their homes, taking them to the shops, appointments or for social outings and dropping them back safely.
“It’s like a family now,” says one woman, who regularly uses the service.
is needed now More than ever
“The bus has made a massive improvement to my daily life,” agrees another.
“Without the help of the excellent volunteers, I would be housebound and not be able to attend community social events. I cannot thank them enough. The service is invaluable to local elderly people.”
Members say the other regular users have become like a family to them
Drivers will help passengers to their door with shopping
But the CATT bus needs more volunteer drivers to ensure its long-term future.
Run by Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) in the Symes building, the service has 650 active members and relies on a team of volunteer drivers, who not only drive the vehicle, but also walk passengers to their doors, carry shopping bags and more.
“Our community transport services are keeping people independent in their own homes and building social connections and community across south Bristol,” says Amy Kinnear of HWCP.
“Many of our members describe the service as a lifeline. With the cost of social isolation to the health service estimated at £2.1 billion a year, our services are saving the public purse, and filling gaps in the public transport network.
“Our services are the eyes and ears of vulnerable or disabled residents in our communities. The social side, support networks and connections made through our services are probably more important than the transport itself.”
One Hartcliffe resident is no longer able to go out herself, but the bus still goes by her house so her friends can deliver her shopping and stop for a chat.
The bus enables people to attend community events, trips and meals and members swap gossip, tips, information about what is going on, knitting, clothes or books.
A study by HWCP and UWE Bristol in 2018 evidenced the vital role that the community transport services are playing in keeping people independent, tackling social isolation, saving money and building community across south Bristol.
The service relies on a team of volunteers
In the words of one member: “It’s made immense difference to my life. It’s a lifeline.”
The CATT bus is in need of volunteers. To find out more and get in touch, visit: www.hwcp.org.uk/catt-community-transport, call 0117 377 345, email thecattbus@hwcp.org.uk, or just drop into the CATT Community Bus office in the Symes community building.
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