Breckland Council has approved seven grant bids, totalling £3,500, to support local organisations in providing essential transport services to vulnerable residents across the district.

The grants of £500 each are from the council’s Communities Transport Grant fund, and will ensure Breckland residents can access vital resources and services, especially those without their own transportation.

The council is proud to be working closely with a number of dedicated charities and initiatives. Cllr Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Housing, commented: “I am delighted this funding is supporting vital transport services, ensuring that residents can access the medical care, food, and community services they need. These grants are part of our Inspiring Communities commitment to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable residents in Breckland.”

The following organisations have been awarded funding:

• Breckland Children’s Clothes Bank – £500 to cover transport costs for families without access to transportation, enabling them to attend the clothes bank. The grant will also reimburse volunteers for fuel expenses incurred while delivering items to service users and collecting donations.
• Dereham Cancer Care – £500 to extend services into surrounding areas by covering travel expenses for clients and service users, particularly in locations where public transport is inconvenient or inaccessible.
• Caring Friends Mid Norfolk – £500 to fund transport for volunteer drivers assisting service users with doctor or hospital appointments where public transport is unavailable or unsuitable. The grant also covers DBS checks and training for new volunteer drivers.
• A Little More Kindness CIC – The Kindness Cabin – £500 to reimburse volunteers who collect donated food and buy in bulk for distribution. Many service users rely on the Cabin due to a lack of personal transport. Volunteers, who often cover these costs out of pocket, will now be supported as they deliver emergency food parcels.
• Keystone Development Trust – £500 to assist residents needing transport to and from medical appointments. Many beneficiaries either have no family support or are unable to use public transport. This grant will allow local taxi firms or volunteer drivers to be reimbursed for providing this crucial service.
• Dove’s Nest Ministries – £500 to directly fund fuel costs for furniture collections and deliveries to those in need. The charity will allocate the funds specifically to their transportation budget, ensuring the grant is fully utilised for fuel expenses.
• Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice – £500 to maintain transportation services for residents needing to travel to medical appointments when public transport is either unavailable or unsuitable. The grant will reimburse volunteer drivers for their expenses.