This campaign has now closed
The ambulance which serves the Market Harborough area of Leicestershire is reaching the end of its useful life. The costs of purchasing and converting a minibus (including a wheelchair lift) so that it is suitable for use by older people exceed £34,000.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
We have provided services for the older population of the Harborough District for many years, including various Day Centres, many of whose users suffer from learning difficulties and are physically frail. The transport which we provide in many cases facilitates their only means of contact with the “outside world” without which they might find themselves losing their independence and having to go into care. Clients attending come from Market Harborough and surrounding villages and hamlets. The vehicle currently used is old and proving unreliable. On the occasions it has broken down -often in rural areas - it has caused great distress to those older people travelling to or from the Day Centres. The Appeal will enable the purchase of a properly fitted out fifteen-seater vehicle to serve the Day Centres. Age Concern is also responsible for the provision of a range of services for lower dependency people including luncheon clubs, shopping trips, outings, neighbourhood care support, etc. When the vehicle is not being used for day care purposes it is available to be used to service such activities.