New caddy for Age UK York

Supporting Wheelchair Users to Get Around in York

For many older people wanting to travel about the city finding easily accessible transport can be a challenge.  For those with mobility issues including wheelchair users it can be particularly difficult.

Age UK York helps people to overcome this and recently took delivery of a new wheelchair accessible vehicle to support its work in the city.  The car, a modified VW Caddy, has been adapted to carry a passenger in a wheelchair with an electric winch to help get the wheelchair safely and easily into the vehicle.  The car will mainly be used to transport people to hospital appointments as part of a contract the charity runs for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Paul Hirst, Transport Manager at Age UK York, said: “the Age UK York transport service carries thousands of passengers each year and the new car will make it a lot easier for us to support wheelchair users.   The previous car had done almost 250,000 miles so the replacement will reduce our running costs as well as being more comfortable for passengers.”

Age UK York supports almost 5,000 older people each year through a range of services intended to enable them to retain their independence and wellbeing.  Services include Information and Advice, Dayclubs, Befriending, Home from Hospital , Carer Respite, and Keep Your Pet.  The charity also runs two social enterprises offering a carer service (Bridge the Gap) and domestic cleaning (Feather Duster). 

For further information on any of services please call the First Call team on 01904 634061