Llŷn-based community transport programme, O Ddrws i Ddrws will this year help hundreds of locals and visitors to North-Wales explore the stunning Wales Coastal Path, thanks to a £12,000 funding boost from the ScottishPower Foundation.
O Ddrws i Ddrws is currently the only provider operating this route, which runs from from Nefyn along to Porthor and down to Abersoch. The seasonal service operates from April to October and opens up this spectacular area of Wales to those without access to a car, letting them experience stunning vistas, beaches and views across the Irish Sea.
The charity first began working with the ScottishPower Foundation in 2013 to help provide vital transport links, from travel to hospital appointments to lifts to work, for vulnerable people living in North-West Wales, many of whom suffer disability or live in remote areas with limited access to public transport.
Since then the Foundation has continued its funding allocation so that O Ddrws i Ddrws can expand its services, and operate along the Wales Coastal Path, bringing a service to the local area that enriches local people’s lives and also benefits local tourism, by increasing access to this stunning area of Welsh landscape.
Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Today I had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful Wales Coastal Path, thanks to O Ddrws i Ddrws. It was great to experience the route in person and see the Foundation’s funding being put to excellent use. The ScottishPower Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in local communities by supporting charities, such as O Ddrws i Ddrws. The committed team of staff and volunteers provide a range of services that helps the community, from taking local people to hospital appointments to helping them enjoy great days out on the coast.”
Elaine Davies, Chair of O Ddrws i Ddrws, said: “We are delighted to work with the ScottishPower Foundation for a third year running. Each year we are able to grow and improve our various services and make a difference to the people of North-West Wales.
“The Coastal Bus was set up in to in addition to our core work ensuring vulnerable people have transport to vital medical appointments, day centres, shop, visits, hairdressers etc. The Coastal Service is a great enhancement to the project and it has been excellent for raising the profile of the charity.”
The O Ddrws i Ddrws Coastal Bus Service runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The route runs from Nefyn, via Aberdaron to Abersoch. The fare is £1 per journey.
For further information please contact Emma Paul or Laura Blyth at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8768 or email spfoundation@stripecommunications.com
Notes to editors
About the ScottishPower Foundation
The ScottishPower Foundation is a registered Scottish charity (SC043862) and a company limited by guarantee (SC445116). The Foundation’s aim is to make a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhance the quality of life in local communities. It provides funding to registered charities and non-profit organisations for the following purposes: the advancement of education; the advancement of environmental protection; the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of disability or other disadvantage; the advancement of citizenship and community development.
About O Ddrws i Ddrws
O Ddrws i Ddrws was set up in December 2002 following an assessment by Help the Aged which highlighted the high level of elderly people living in the Llŷn Peninsula area. O Ddrws i Ddrws receives grants from other funders including the Coastal Community Fund. The charity has two minibuses and one people carrier, both of which are specifically suited for disabled people.
ScottishPower Foundation contributes to the cores costs of O Ddrws I Ddrws. Additional funding partners include Natural Resources Wales and the Coastal Communities Fund.