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Operator Name: Rural Link Community Transport RURAL LINK UPDATE OCTOBER 2006
Invaluable Service Providers
Recognition award for Mid Tyrone Accessible Community Transport Ltd (RURAL LINK)
Oonagh McCallan and Sinead Conroy from local group, Mid-Tyrone Accessible Community Transport (RURAL LINK) were awarded a prestigious Invaluable Service Providers Award at the Focus Community Awards 2006.
Oonagh and Sinead received some well deserved VIP treatment at the Focus Awards at the Silverbirch Hotel having won the prestigious award for the first time.
RURAL LINK provides support to member organisations within Omagh District Council area, which are tackling social exclusion in their area, by providing affordable, accessible transport alternatives that meet both the needs of individuals and the collective needs of their local community. RURAL LINK cater for individuals, voluntary and community groups, those with learning and physical disabilities, senior citizens, parents with young children, youth and those on a low income.
Project Manager of RURAL LINK, Oonagh McCallan commented:
This award recognises the invaluable services provided by the organisation within the local rural community on a daily basis. Community Transport is a lifeline for many of members playing a vital role in their health and well being.
Community Transport providers support local Senior Citizens
RURAL LINK presents a cheque to three of the local Senior Citizen groups in the rural area of Omagh District Council. Ballygawley Open Door Club, Beragh Age Concern and Carrickmore Senior Citizen Club were all presented with a cheque for £800.
Rodney Monteith (Minibus Driver and community volunteer) organised the fundraising concert to help with the cost of transport to their afternoon clubs. Hugo Duncan hosted the night of Country Music and introduced an impressive line up of stars including Logue and McCool and Gene Stewart.
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COMMUNITY TRANSPORT ON THE MOVE...
Mid Tyrone Accessible Community Transport Ltd. took to the rural roads this week to mark Community Transport Week 2004. Throughout the week a convoy of minibuses travelled across N. Ireland to raise awareness of Community Transports invaluable service and on Thursday Mid Tyrone joined the celebrations at Omagh Community House.
On Thursday morning, a packed bus of Community Transport members began their tour of Tyrone and Fermanagh. Nine Community Transport Minibuses headed off from Rosslea, travelling throughout the rural Fermanagh area to Belcoo and into Enniskillen where they had lunch and an opportunity to win in the FREE prize draw held in the Erneside Shopping Centre. They then travelled to Omagh Community House for Tea/ Coffee and refreshments with other member groups. Another FREE prize draw took place in the Community House sponsored by local businesses from in and around Omagh Town before continuing their tour via Beragh, Sixmilecross and Carrickmore and on to the Glenavon House Hotel for a Gala Dinner with special guest Frank Mitchell from UTV.
Mid- Tyrone Accessible Community Transport Ltd. exists to meet the transport needs of those who live in the rural areas of Mid Tyrone. They aim to provide reliable, accessible and affordable transport for those who otherwise are unable to access mainstream public transport. This is either due to their location, the lack of a public service provision in the area or because they cannot access transport due to their physical disabilities. The provision of this transport is important for the access of vital services whether they are medical, educational, social or recreational and so enhance the quality of life for the individuals and community groups they serve.
If you would like to become a member of Mid Tyrone Accessible Community Transport, if you have some where to go and no way of getting there, if you are a member of a community/voluntary group with specific transport needs or would like to volunteer some time as a Social Car Driver please contact the office for more information 028 807 60740 / 61000 |
