Latest news with #UnLtd
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man says he is unable to get to job due to bus cut
A man in Guernsey says he will not be able to get to his full-time job following the news that a bus service for disabled islanders is stopping from July. UnLtd provides employment and social activities for people with disabilities and puts on an accessible bus which helps them get to work. Lee Vaudin, 46, said: "It means a lot to me to actually get here [to work] because I get paid a wage for doing what I do. The Ron Short bus comes to pick me up in the morning and take me back at night. If there is no way of getting in, I can't come." However, the States of Guernsey said there were other options for islanders like the Voluntary Car Service and Income Support payments, which could be used to cover travel costs. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey The UnLtd service was introduced in 2022 following a States push for improved accessibility. Organisers said for the last seven months it had been propped up by the Ron Short Centre reserves, in the hope the service would receive a grant. However, their application to the Social Investment Fund was denied. The fund gets applications from different charities and it decides which to offer money. The bus service will stop from 1 July. Bus driver, Nick Darrieulat, 51, said the service was "essential, otherwise these people would be stuck at home 24/7, and just getting depressed, [but] this gives them the opportunity to have a life". "When I arrived on the island, I was asked to do this job and it changed my life. "Losing it, or the threat of losing it, means that I lose a whole new family plus my ability to survive on this island." Marc Winn, innovations director at the Ron Short Centre, said: "Having a disability is often very isolating and this maybe one of the only places that people can go and be transported to in their week. "Its a hugely vibrant and wonderful place but it actually costs money to deliver those services and bring people here." The States said it wanted to reassure islanders there was help available in getting to and from essential appointments. It said it included the Voluntary Car Service, which was available through Health Connections, and people struggling with the costs of transport could also apply for Income Support. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Charity to end disability bus service over funding 'Lack of accessibility makes you feel left out' Mobility scooter user slams lack of improvements Businesses urged to speed up access improvements States of Guernsey - Social Investment Fund
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man says he is unable to get to job due to bus cut
A man in Guernsey says he will not be able to get to his full-time job following the news that a bus service for disabled islanders is stopping from July. UnLtd provides employment and social activities for people with disabilities and puts on an accessible bus which helps them get to work. Lee Vaudin, 46, said: "It means a lot to me to actually get here [to work] because I get paid a wage for doing what I do. The Ron Short bus comes to pick me up in the morning and take me back at night. If there is no way of getting in, I can't come." However, the States of Guernsey said there were other options for islanders like the Voluntary Car Service and Income Support payments, which could be used to cover travel costs. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey The UnLtd service was introduced in 2022 following a States push for improved accessibility. Organisers said for the last seven months it had been propped up by the Ron Short Centre reserves, in the hope the service would receive a grant. However, their application to the Social Investment Fund was denied. The fund gets applications from different charities and it decides which to offer money. The bus service will stop from 1 July. Bus driver, Nick Darrieulat, 51, said the service was "essential, otherwise these people would be stuck at home 24/7, and just getting depressed, [but] this gives them the opportunity to have a life". "When I arrived on the island, I was asked to do this job and it changed my life. "Losing it, or the threat of losing it, means that I lose a whole new family plus my ability to survive on this island." Marc Winn, innovations director at the Ron Short Centre, said: "Having a disability is often very isolating and this maybe one of the only places that people can go and be transported to in their week. "Its a hugely vibrant and wonderful place but it actually costs money to deliver those services and bring people here." The States said it wanted to reassure islanders there was help available in getting to and from essential appointments. It said it included the Voluntary Car Service, which was available through Health Connections, and people struggling with the costs of transport could also apply for Income Support. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Charity to end disability bus service over funding 'Lack of accessibility makes you feel left out' Mobility scooter user slams lack of improvements Businesses urged to speed up access improvements States of Guernsey - Social Investment Fund
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Guernsey charity to end disability bus service over funding
A transport service for disabled islanders who work at a charity shop is to close, said at the Ron Short Centre said it was told on Wednesday its application to the Social Investment Fund had been rejected, forcing it to stop its transport service from 1 St Peter Port charity said the decision meant disabled people working at the centre would no longer be able to access employment because of the specialised transport States of Guernsey said it had "not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport" and it was working on a "joined-up plan for community transport". The States said it wanted to reassure islanders there was help available in getting to and from essential appointments. The service was introduced in 2022 following a States push for improved accessibility in the the charity said funding was cut, forcing it to rely on short-term money from the investment fund, although this was disputed by the States."An independent review of community transport confirmed that UnLtd delivers valuable services at a fraction of the cost the States would pay for equivalent provisions," said the charity."Yet this fact has been ignored, leaving disabled islanders without sustainable transport options." The States said options available to islanders without transport included the Voluntary Car Service, which was available through Health Connections, and people struggling with the costs of transport could also apply for income support."For the avoidance of doubt, the States of Guernsey has not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport," it said."Instead, the States of Guernsey is already proactively working on a cross-organisation project to develop a joined-up plan for community transport, including how it can work with the charities sector to deliver this. In addition, the comments made by the charity contain some inaccuracies which will be addressed shortly."Health and Social Care said it also provided a grant to St John Ambulance's Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service, which helps "people who struggle to walk or need extra support during a journey due to a medical condition".
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stroud-based online gym generates £1 million in social value
A STROUD-based personal trainer estimates his online gym has generated nearly £1 million in social value. James Hilton, founder of Jim's Gym, discovered the impact of his small business using UnLtd's Impact Measurement Tool. The tool measures the positive impact on social ventures, and indicated that Jim's Gym created just under a million pounds of "estimated social value" in its first year of trading. Mr Hilton said: "Jim's Gym was set up to show people over 55 how fun and effective home exercise can be, helping them reap the benefits of being more active without the hassle of a conventional gym. "I expected happy members who enjoy getting fit at their own pace, but the recent wellbeing survey blew me away." Jim's Gym is dedicated to helping people aged 55 and above remain active, mobile and independent through an innovative online platform offering classes that members can enjoy from the convenience of their front room. Cecile-Aure Ajavon, senior social impact analyst at UnLtd, explained how they put a price tag on "social impact." She said: "When we talk about social value, we mean estimating the wider value that positive changes can have on people and society—not just the direct benefits. "For example, if someone becomes more physically active, it doesn't just improve their health—it can also mean fewer visits to the doctor, better mental wellbeing, and even more confidence at work. "The tool uses trusted national research to give these kinds of changes a money value, based on how much they're likely to help people and reduce costs in other parts of society." Mr Hilton added: "Jim's Gym is more than an online fitness club. "I want it to be the first place people over 55 turn to when they want to get fit but don't fancy a traditional gym. "We're building a special community that's fun and accessible and actually keeps people engaged with lots of options, daily live workouts, and nutrition support, plus tai chi, yoga, pilates, dancercise, and more, all from home." For more information about James Hilton's work in fitness and well-being or to join, visit the Jim's Gym Fitness website.
