Transport plays a crucial role in addressing social isolation in Wandsworth, a borough where many residents, particularly older adults and vulnerable groups, rely on accessible transport to stay connected with the community.
Inadequate transport options can lead to increased loneliness, as individuals struggle to attend social events, medical appointments, or even visit loved ones.
Improving public transport, increasing community transport services, and supporting active travel options like walking and cycling can combat isolation. By investing in transport solutions that prioritise accessibility, we can enhance residents’ quality of life, fostering stronger social connections across Wandsworth.
There are a few initiatives taking place in the community to help resolve the issues of transportation in the local community and help to help community members to feel connected with one another:
- There’s a free bus service launching in Roehampton to help connect Roehampton to local amenities and transport hubs.
- EstateArt organise several events to help members feel less isolated and more connected. One event is the walking groups in Roehampton that are held. For more information on this please visit their website here.
- Healthwatch Wandsworth Assembly – Healthwatch Wandsworth are hosting an event around social isolation and ways to combat this. Join us to share free food, listen to great music and connect with each other. Together we can learn and share ideas on how best to tackle social isolation and find fantastic new events in the community from other organisations attending. Be sure to sign up, you won’t want to miss this!
- Wandsworth Community Transport provides specialist transport services across the borough of Wandsworth for community groups and individuals with mobility problems.
For support on transportation in the local area, there’s services below that can help. These services aim to make transportation more accessible and convenient for everyone in the community. - Dial-a-Ride: This is a free, door-to-door service provided by Transport for London (TfL) for people with permanent or long-term disabilities. It operates 7 days a week from 07:00 to 23:00.
- Taxicard: This service offers subsidised taxi and private hire vehicle journeys for people with serious mobility impairments or those who are severely sight impaired.
- Community Transport Wandsworth: This service provides accessible transport options for individuals and groups who find it difficult to use public transport due to age, disability, or other factors.
- Freedom Pass: This pass allows free travel on most public transport in London for older and disabled residents.
If you have any more relevant resources to add to this article or would like to learn more contact communications@wandcareall.org.uk