The car scheme was formed following a report prepared in 1995 for Social Services which indicated that Castle Point had a growing problem of lack of affordable transport for the elderly living within the Borough. Following this report in 1997 the Car Scheme was set up based on the model of Thurrock Council’s existing Community Car Scheme. Local drivers were recruited to use their own cars to provide transport to and from appointments, freely giving of their time and only receiving a mileage allowance.
By 1999 the scheme had grown to such an extent that a management committee was formed and the scheme was registered with both the Charities’ Commission and as a Company limited by Guarantee at Companies House. The scheme was also registered with The Community Transport Association and their template was used to fine tune the service.
Since then it has gone from strength to strength now having a membership approaching 1000 clients serviced by 31 volunteer car drivers and also a team of volunteers in the office taking bookings.
We also have wheelchair accessible vehicles which help to meet the transport needs of the less able bodied people within the community.
In 2023 we were fortunate enough to be awarded the Big Lottery Grant for a Third, 5 year period. This allows us to continue to be funded to June 2028.