Stanford Coachworks has delivered and eight-seat accessible Ford Transit minibus to the Hockley and Hawkwell 55+ Social Centre, which is based in the convertor’s native Essex near Rayleigh.
The Social Centre provides a safe and friendly environment for those aged over 55 to socialise and get out of their homes, and it required a minibus to transport those in the area who have mobility issues.
Delivery of the new Transit will help the Social Centre attract more participants.
Its eight passenger seats are high-backed and have three-point belts and it also has a rear-mounted wheelchair lift and a step on the sliding side door to help access for those passengers with reduced mobility.
Funds for the new minibus were raised by the local community, the Social Centre, and the Lions Club of Rayleigh. Money was also contributed by local businesses and groups.
Stanford Coachworks says that research has proven that social interaction and keeping active can have a positive impact on elderly people, but often the main issue preventing them from engaging in both is a lack of mobility. Availability of suitable, accessible transport can mitigate that.
