Over the years, we have seen the complexity of our student's needs increase and today all of our students are reliant on wheelchairs. This makes our fleet of specialist vehicles a lifeline for our students as without specially adapted transport, they’re not able to go on class trips, access work experience opportunities, practice life skills in the community, attend sporting or social events or travel to HSDC Alton College for Further Education.
“We can’t go far with our electric chairs and wouldn’t be able to do community skills. This helps us to be more confident and independent when we are out in the community. On the minibus we all talk to each other, we often joke. We tell stories about other trips we’ve been on and try and spot things when looking out of the window.” Thomas, college student
Our fleet of vehicles undertakes around 3,500 journeys a year, yet this is still short of the demand for trips so we would often have to decline trips or hire in additional transport. One of our wonderful donors heard about our problem and generously suggested a matched fundraising campaign whereby his Foundation would match every gift pound for pound. This galvanised our community of supporters and we’re delighted to let you know that over the summer, we reached our target! The electric bus has been ordered and we’re expecting to take delivery of it later this month.
We’re extremely grateful to all our donors from Livery companies, to individuals, community groups, trusts and foundations and District and Town Councils.
“It is vital that our students can access the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers and we really are grateful for your tremendous support with this fundraising appeal.”
The electric bus will generate zero emissions and will be able to transport up to 7 students in their electric wheelchairs plus Student Support Assistants and teaching staff. It will have all the specifications our students need.
Thank you to all our donors who supported this appeal so generously and for helping our students to access their education.