Project gets cash boost to help tackle loneliness
Council’s SOOPiR group secures funding from SPT
An innovative project that tackles loneliness and isolation in people with mobility problems has won new funding.
SOOPiR – Renfrewshire Council’s Strengthening Opportunities for Older Adults in Renfrewshire bus project – has secured an £8,500 grant, which will ensure its survival.
The cash was recently handed over by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
A lifeline for many, the SOOPiR bus ensures those who are unable to use public transport due to their limited mobility can maintain access to leisure facilities and continue to enjoy days out.
The initiative, launched in 2019, has been shown to bolster people’s quality of life and continues to reduce loneliness, increase social interaction, increase physical activity, and promote their wellbeing.
The SPT grant will be used to support the running costs of the service.
Stephen Dornan, chair of SPT, said: “Community transport is the lifeblood of transport and the value it offers the communities we serve is invaluable.
“SOOPiR is a hugely popular service which helps, often the most vulnerable people, get around the region when there is no other option available.
“We know that loneliness is a major issue for many of our elderly population and therefore having services like this available is important.”
Jim Paterson, SPT board member and Renfrewshire Councillor said: “SOOPiR is a relatively new service but it is very encouraging to see SPT value its work and provide grant funding to help it continue.
“I know from feedback from users how appreciated the service is and its ability to offer people who cannot use public transport options a way to travel around the area.
“We hope more users are able to use this service thanks to the funding provided.”
SPT – Scotland’s largest regional transport body – announced the Renfrewshire grant as part of £1.3million investment programme into community transport operations across West Scotland.
In neighbouring East Renfrewshire an additional £25,000 was handed over to further support vulnerable people with access to the shops and medical appointments.
Community Transport East Renfrewshire secured the grant to maintain its operation offering group transport to local voluntary and community groups in the local authority area.
The funding will be used to support vehicle running costs, including fuel, insurance and maintenance, and staff-related costs during 2023/2024.
Community Transport operators deliver much needed transport to the local communities and voluntary groups, particularly the elderly, disabled and those on low income.
These services are designed to promote and support the delivery of high quality, reliable and accessible transport to communities across the SPT area.
SOOPiR is a hugely popular service which helps often the most vulnerable people