The second-hand Fiat Doblos will be used for transporting adults with profound physical and learning disabilities to The Beehive Centre for emergency respite care when required. The Beehive Centre is Diverse Abilities’ day activity and therapy centre, which is closed during the pandemic but providing digital and postal activities to the adults it supports, as well as emergency respite care.

Helen Mortimer, development manager, commented, “During the COVID-19 outbreak we are unable to use our large minibuses as these require multiple wheelchairs in close proximity. We needed two new vehicles to replace old ones anyway, so to have these that can safely transport one person with disabilities at a time is fantastic. The people we support will be shielding for months to come due to the current pandemic, so it is vitally important that we can transport them safely in individual vehicles.

“We are so thankful to everyone at Talbot Village Trust as these new vehicles will come in great use once we can offer day trips and activities again. It means we can minimise the risk while continuing to provide trips to safe outdoor spaces such as the beach and to our allotment. Having small vehicles enables us to offer people choice, which helps dramatically in terms of fostering self-esteem, confidence, and independence.”

Russell Lucas-Rowe, trustee at Talbot Village Trust, added, “We hope the two new vehicles allow Diverse Abilities to continue the great work they do across the local community.”