Transport: Gwynedd Age Friendly Action Plan

As Gwynedd is a large rural county transport is important to allow individuals to be able to participate in social events, to work, to access health services, and much more.

This can be challenging, especially in some areas of Gwynedd where public transport cannot be accessed as often as some people need.In Gwynedd, this has meant looking at different possibilities and the increase of community transport initiatives

 

Our Action Plan

  • Canolfan Henblas, Y Bala is working on establishing a community transport initiative for their local area.
  • Community enterprises Partneriaeth Ogwen, Y Dref Werdd, Yr Orsaf and O Ddrws i Ddrws are working together to employ more community transport drivers and to build on their current provision. Their partnership is called Partneriaeth Trafnidaeth Cymunedol Gwynedd.
  • The Welsh Ambulance Service is working with local partners to recruit more volunteer drivers and to expand their services across Gwynedd.
  • Findings from Ardal Ni 2035 have recognised the areas in Gwynedd that are most in need of support regarding transport. Various partners will be working closely with those communities to build on the opportunities and support the communities in achieving what’s needed.

 

Case Studies

O Ddrws i Ddrws works across the Llŷn Peninsula area, which is a rural area of Gwynedd. They provide a community transport service for residents of Llŷn communities who need the service due to age, health (mental or physical), or disability, or because there is no safe and suitable public transport service available.

The name translates directly as ‘from door to door’ explaining exactly what the service provides. They support individuals to reach medical appointments, carry out their weekly shopping, socialise and much more.

O Ddrws i Ddrws supports around 300 individuals every year with multiple visits and tasks. They’re always looking for volunteer drivers who have their own vehicles, and time to contribute and enjoy the company of others. It’s a great way to make new friends.

Y Dref Werdd is a community enterprise and offers community transport around the Blaenau and Penrhyndeudraeth area. They also work in partnership with O Ddrws i Ddrws, Yr Orsaf, and Partneriaeth Ogwen and have developed a network that support each other and are looking to expand what they currently offer.

Y Dref Werdd helps many older residents to get to medical appointments, shopping and social activities. This is how they helped one woman in her 80s. who needed to travel 35 miles to Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital:

Before starting to use Y Dref Werdd as a form of transport, the lady had to leave her house at 7:30am and would not be home until after 8pm as that was her only option whilst using public transport. Y Dref Werdd was able to step in and get her to and from her hospital appointments at times that worked for her, with a stop at the supermarket on the way home to complete her weekly shop. This allowed the woman to have more free time, to complete her shopping and appointment together, and to have the opportunity to socialise with the driver.

This is only one of many examples where the scheme has been able to help. Community transport can be more flexible and can better meet the needs of the individual accessing the service.