A lifeline on four wheels

For a charity supporting people with learning and physical disabilities, The Courier’s minibus would potentially mean changing people’s lives, as Caroline Lindsay found out

Every day across Scotland, Cornerstone provides care and support for adults, children and young people who live with learning or physical disabilities.

The organisation was founded in 1980 by Nick Baxter, who brought together a small group of enthusiasts to campaign for services.

Over the last 36 years it has grown to support more than 2,000 people each year across 17 local authority areas in Scotland.

If the charity is successful in its bid to win the minibus, it would be available for everyone supported by Cornerstone in Dundee and Tayside.

It would help them access everyday activities in and around Dundee – ones many of us take for granted but which can be complicated and expensive for the people the organisation helps.

“There are lots of activities all over the city that the people we support would love to take advantage of but are unable to due to transportation costs or availability,” explains Nicky Murdoch, service manager at Cornerstone.

“They require support staff to accompany them to activities and the cost of taxis or other transport quickly mounts up.

“This minibus would also allow us to arrange day trips and away days to places like Edinburgh Zoo or the Kelpies without having to pay expensive coach hire fees.

“Ultimately, the minibus would be a lifeline, giving freedom of the city and everything it has to offer to the people supported by Cornerstone.”

The organisation’s chief executive, Edel Harris adds: “Our aim is to enable the people we support to enjoy a valued life.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to pick up a copy of The Courier and collect tokens for Cornerstone.”

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Cornerstone staff and those they help come together at their office on City Quay to get behind the bid to win The Courier’s minibus.