A COMMUNITY transport scheme in Conwy to help people access GP appointments and other vital services is being supported by a charitable foundation.

The Steve Morgan Foundation has provided a grant of £50,856 over three years to support the scheme. Conwy Voluntary Services Council (CVSC) is delivering a volunteer led community car scheme provide transport to elderly, disabled and young families in rural areas access medical and other essential appointments.

Maria Jones, the CVSC’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: “The pitfalls of rural isolation for older generations and vulnerable residents have been demonstrated in studies identifying a strong link between social isolation and declining health.

Jane Harris, director of regional funding with the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support this scheme in Conwy. There are many elderly and disabled people living in rural communities, and also young families, who have been unable to access important medical appointments. A collaboration between the CVSC and several different agencies has helped to establish this community transport service, using a leased wheelchair accessible vehicle, and volunteer drivers’ own cars. The aim is to develop coordinated appointments and bookings from the same area, starting five days a week and then extending to weekends"

The Steve Morgan Foundation was created in 2001 by Steve Morgan, founder of Redrow plc.