Funding boost is early birthday present for PEP
Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) is one of five community transport initiatives set to receive a funding boost from the Change Fund. It’s great news for one of North Edinburgh’s longest established community organisations – PEP celebrates it’s 25th anniversary next month.
The Change Fund for Older People is national funding allocated to health and social care partnerships made up of local authority, NHS, voluntary and independent sectors.
The City of Edinburgh Council and partners in the health, voluntary and independent sectors have invested £225,000 Change Fund monies into providing more minibus services in the capital, ensuring the city’s older people are set to enjoy improved social lives thanks to improved community transport
Accessible transport provides an essential role in helping frail older people access activities, helping to tackle the social isolation that they may experience as well as improved health.
Transport supports older people to live well in their local communities and maintain their independence in line with Council strategies such as the Live Well in Later Life Joint Commissioning Plan for Older People.
The Edinburgh Change Fund Partnership allocated the £225,000 across five community transport providers in the city:
•The Dove Centre,
•Pilton Equalities Project,
•South Edinburgh Amenities Group,
•Lothian Communities Transport Services,
•Handicabs.
The Change Fund met up to 90% of the costs to each organisation.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “Many older vulnerable people feel isolated and providing them with transport so that that they can access activities will help to tackle this. Supporting older residents and their health and wellbeing is a Council priority, which is why we are spending £1.2m this year on reducing social isolation in communities.”
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