Community Chest funding helps keep North Derbyshire residents connected through community transport
Hundreds of residents across Derbyshire will continue to benefit from vital community transport services thanks to support from Platform Housing Group’s Community Chest fund.
Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport (BECT) has been awarded funds to help promote its programme of accessible door to door trips, ensuring more people can access shopping destinations, community facilities and social opportunities throughout the Hope Valley, northern Derbyshire Dales and Matlock areas.
The funding will enable BECT to continue advertising its regular trips.
The charity provides a wide range of accessible minibus trips to shopping centres, garden centres, lunch venues and seasonal destinations, helping people who are unable to access conventional public transport remain connected to their communities.
Over the past year alone, BECT has welcomed 263 new passengers and has seen significant demand for its services, with many trips operating at or near full capacity.
Helen Chapman, Community Engagement and Volunteers Coordinator at Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport said: “For many of our passengers, these trips are about much more than simply getting from A to B. They provide an opportunity to get out of the house, meet friends, access essential services and maintain important social connections.
“In rural communities, public transport options continue to decline and many people can feel isolated, particularly older residents and those living with mobility challenges. The support from Platform Housing Group will allow us to continue reaching existing passengers and ensure that more people know about the services available to them.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding, which will help us continue providing what is often a vital lifeline for many members of our community.”
The project is expected to benefit around 800 people across the region, including many Platform Housing Group customers living in rural communities.
Tracey Silk, Community Engagement Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “Community transport services play a hugely important role in helping people remain independent, connected and active within their communities. We know that rural isolation can have a significant impact on wellbeing particularly for older residents and those who face barriers accessing public transport.
“Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport provides an invaluable service that helps people access everyday amenities while also creating opportunities for social interaction and friendship. We’re delighted that Community Chest funding will help ensure even more residents can benefit from these opportunities over the coming year.”
The funding will support BECT’s advertising programme throughout 2026 and early 2027, helping ensure residents continue to hear about the services and opportunities available to them.
Platform Housing Group’s Community Chest fund supports a wide range of local projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, community cohesion and opportunities for local people. The pot is for Platform customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting Platform customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on its Customer Voice Panel.
