A ride service helping isolated people get outside in Buckinghamshire was awarded tens of thousands of pounds amid surge in demand.

Chilterns Dial-a-Ride secured the crucial money from National Lottery following a busy time providing food and transport during the Covid pandemic as a lifeline for many residents stuck at home.

With the help of £77,000 spread over four years Dial-a-Ride can continue to support people with mobility issues to travel safely from door to door.

Chairman of The Chilterns Dial-a-Ride David Ouvry: "During Covid, we were pleased to help with food delivery services (with One Can Trust), and providing a free service for those often isolated people needing transport to hospitals and clinics, and to Covid vaccination centres. 

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“Getting support during Covid from The National Lottery, Heart of Bucks and the Bucks Council Community Boards enabled us to do all this. 

“Now, with the surge in demand for our services post Covid, this so timely support from the National Lottery - and also Heart of Bucks - is invaluable as we forge ahead!" 

The community service provides around 6,000 journeys annually, expected to increase up to 9,000 rides over the next two years.

Over the last three months, 2,000 communities and grassroot projects in England were given more than £65 million in National Lottery funding.

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