News / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2022
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2022, Day 17: The Sprint Community Transport
For day seventeen of our charity advent calendar, Bristol24/7 is spotlighting The Sprint, which describes itself as “more than just a bus”.
Based at The Inns Court Community & Family Centre in Knowle West, the community bus service provides door-to-door transport for those that need it.
The charity has become a lifeline to its 300 members by giving them the means to get out into their communities – for doctor’s appointments, shopping trips, family and friend visits, and days out.
is needed now More than ever
The Sprint is binging older people together for Christmas in Knowle West – photo: Eden Project Communities
The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on The Sprint’s members, with many of them buying less food during their weekly shopping trips or not able to join in with regular pub meals or days out anymore.
But The Sprint’s transport manager, Angela Perrett, has been raising funds to subsidise its activities, which include “‘fish and chip Fridays” and monthly singalong sessions.
She said: “Community is so important. The biggest thing I hear from older people is that they don’t feel part of their communities anymore. We want to get them back out there and reassure them that they do have places to go, while feeling safe and supported.”
For Sprint member Vera, 88, the community transport service is the “the best thing that’s happened to [her] in years”.
She added: “During the pandemic, I lost eyesight in one eye and completely lost my confidence. I stopped going out and don’t feel able to get the bus anymore. That’s why I depend on The Sprint – they’ve helped restore my confidence.”
https://www.facebook.com/BristolCouncil/videos/918103279033171/
As part of its roster of events, The Sprint will be holding a Big Lunch at Christmas on Tuesday, with members invited to enjoy a Christmas dinner followed by a festive singalong and raffle.
The Big Lunch at Christmas is a new campaign launched by the Eden Project that aims to bring people of all ages together by encouraging everyone to make a connection this winter.
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Eden Project Communities
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