Laurencekirk charity fears elderly rural communities ‘too easily become isolated’ due to poor public transport

By Cameron Roy

November 29 2022, 11:45 am

A Laurencekirk charity has reported transport has become the biggest drain on its resources. Image: Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network.

A Laurencekirk charity believes poor public transport in the region is leading to elderly residents in the community becoming “too easily isolated”.

For the past 20 years, the Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network (MCHLN) has been supporting the health and wellbeing of the over 50s in the area.

A large part of MCHLN’s operation provides a heavily-subsidised door-to-door service to help elderly people make healthcare appointments.

Over the last year, volunteers drove over 24,000 miles around the area which is historically poorly-served by public transport.

MCHLN funding and development officer, John Duncanson, said: “Our area is particularly challenging for older people on lower incomes who may also be living with mobility, cognition or other issues.

“It’s all too easy to become isolated.”

Charity transport service under pressure

The charity is now reporting an even higher demand for their already stretched transport network.

They report it is now one of the largest issues affecting their clients and one of the biggest drains on the charity’s resources.

A woman holding a car door open for an elderly woman — The charity helps hundreds of people with its transport service, operated by 80 volunteers. Image: Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network

The organisation has grown from a fledgling charity to one engaging some 200 older people a week in a 300-square-mile radius.

Even with MCHLN’s 80 volunteers, the area is home to over 40,000 people, and they say serving everyone who needs help can be difficult.

Public transport unable to meet needs

The charity has warned that public transport is often unable to meet the needs of elderly people who live in the area.

Stagecoach East, which operates the main bus routes in the area has also been under increasing pressure due to the number of cancellations on their services as they experience a driver shortage.

A Stagecoach bus — Stagecoach bus routes, including the flagship X7 service, have been under pressure due to repeated cancellations. Image: Darrell Benns / DC Thomson

People have been unable to see their partners or travel to hospital appointments due to the unreliability of the service.

The town’s railway station was restored in 2009 with services affected by continuing strikes throughout the year.

‘We need more drivers to spread the load’

Despite volunteers donating 3,321 hours of their time over the last year, the charity says due to the increasing demand, they are now reaching maximum capacity.

They are appealing for more drivers to get involved.

Steve Coles, charity trustee and driver said: “We need more drivers to help spread the load.”

Laurencekirk transport charity MCHLN celebrating it's 20th birthday — The charity celebrated its 20th birthday last week. Image: Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network

Mr Duncanson said: “We’re recognised as an important part of the support services for older people in the area. Our volunteers have done so much, and been so giving of their time, goodwill and generosity – they’re an amazing bunch.

“If anyone wishing to learn more about volunteering opportunities with us is very welcome to get in touch.”

Last week, MCHLN celebrated its 20th birthday with a dinner for its supporters at the Dickson Memorial Hall in Laurencekirk.

To get involved with the charity, follow their Facebook page.