A community transport scheme run by Radstock based charity, SWAN Transport, is transforming everyday life for residents across BANES. New figures have shown the scale of the charity’s impact in reducing isolation, connectingcommunities, and providing access to essential services, social activities, and healthcare.
In the first three months of 2026, SWAN’s volunteer drivers undertook 916 journeys across the county; 21% were health related journeys, 25.5% were community focused, and 53.5% were for social services clients.
SWAN has become more than just a transport service: the scheme has become a vital lifeline for older people, for those facing barriers to accessing public or private transport, for people with disabilities and/or mentalhealth problems, and for those living rurally or in isolation. For many, it provides a chance to stay independent, connected and engaged with the world around them.
SWAN’s Transport Manager, Sofia Perkins, said, “Behind every journey is a person whose life has been made easier. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent neighbours supporting neighbours and a communitycoming together to truly make a difference to people’s lives.”
Volunteers remain at the heart of the service, with drivers using their own vehicles to get individuals from A to B, creating new friendships, growing confidence and generally having a jolly good time together along theway! Feedback from a recent passenger survey confirms the impact SWAN’s volunteers have:
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere, and it gives me some independence.”
“It gets me to and from venues that I could not access by public transport, and I am finding public transport more difficult to use due to mobility problems.”
“If it wasn’t for SWAN, I would be housebound.”
As demand for journeys continues to grow, SWAN is committed to expanding the service by recruiting more volunteer drivers across BANES to ensure no one in need gets left behind.
Residents who would like to use the service, become a volunteer, or find out more can visit swan-transport.co.uk, or contact office@swan-transport.co.uk / 01761 439 548.
