‘Route 60+’ is a presentation aimed at senior drivers, with the aim of addressing not only how vehicles have changed over the years, but also how our own driving skills and habits may have changed and how we can go about updating those skills. Driving provides independence and is a skill that should be nurtured for as long as possible. If a driver stops driving for a period of time it is, inevitably, much more difficult to try and start again at a later date and this workshop is designed to help you keep your licence for as long as safely possible. The presentation itself lasts approximately 60 minutes and is designed primarily to help drivers continue their driving career for as long as possible. There are opportunities to talk to members of the road safety team about any driving or road safety concerns you may have. Refreshments are always available and the atmosphere is very relaxed. You don’t even have to be over 60 to come along!

Those attending will receive a free bag including a hi-vis jacket and a copy of the highway code and details of accreditted driving instructors will be available should any attendees require further support with their individual driving issues. No need to book. For dates see website or call.

The Road Assured scheme is for any driver who has a health issue that may make driving more difficult or who is returning to driving; perhaps after an operation or a health episode.

The scheme enables you to take a short, assessed drive with one of our Approved Driving Instructors. You will be given advice about your driving style and a written report will be produced at the end of your assessment. If you were referred by your GP, a copy will be sent to them first and they will forward a copy on to you. This report will help you and your doctor decide which steps to take, if any, to reduce the chances of problems occurring when you are behind the wheel. There is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment.

How do I access the Road Assured scheme?

• You can be referred by your GP or other health professional if there is a concern about your fitness to drive, or to return to driving.
• You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you if you have a health problem which is making driving more difficult. For example you may feel less safe driving following an operation or if you have experienced an event that has affected you emotionally.
• You can refer yourself for a Road Assured assessment.
• You can refer a family member or friend, with their knowledge that you are doing so, if you are concerned about their driving safety.

Westbury & District Link volunteer transport service, contribution requested. Tel line open 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday. Can offer limited help with small practical jobs.

Cycling can help improve people’s health and wellbeing but many people are put off using a bicycle in Frome because of the hills. So Frome now has available a couple of electric power assist bicycles (ebikes) that helps to reduce the strain of cycling up hills and makes cycling more fun. Provided by Frome Town Council and available at Cycology Bikes. To find out about hiring one of the e-bikes for the Bike to Health scheme please go to http://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/e-bikes/

Frome Community Cars is now under the umbrella of Mendip Community Transport. Do you find it difficult to get to medical appointments, visit loved ones or get the things you need? If so, Frome Community Cars (Mendip Community Transport) may be able to help. We have a network of local volunteer drivers who provide lifts within Frome and beyond. Contribution to cover costs is requested. To see if you are eligible and join for free or to volunteer as a driver, please contact Frome Community Cars which is now managed by Mendip Community Transport.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides national parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as drivers or passengers. The scheme is also for people who are severely sight impaired. People who have a blue badge can park close to their destination in on-street parking and car parks. The form can either be filled in online or you can call Somerset County Council.

The cost of a blue badge is £10. The badge can only be used with the person who owns the badge in the car at the time of parking, as a photograph is used on the badge, for identification. Badges take approximately a month to arrive.

We may be able to help people in need, living in the South West, with funding for respite holidays, days away, taxis etc. Registered charity 1069330

We are the first point of contact for all Somerset GP patients enquiring about transport to their NHS appointments. We assess patients’ eligibility on their medical need, mobility and various other factors and if suitable can provide free car, W/C Taxi or ambulance transportation. Our lines are open from 08:30 – 18:30 Monday to Friday.

Mendip Community Transport. This service provides transport to hospitals outside the Mendip Area for patients who are unable to use conventional public transport. There is limited availability within Mendip area ie not Frome address to Frome Hospital. Passengers are advised to book as soon as an appointment is received. Cost 60p per mile with small reduction if a Bus Pass is held.
All passengers must complete a registration form which is available on request from MCT.

It may be possible to claim back travel expenses to hospital appointments, if you are in receipt of certain benefits. You may be able to get financial help from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you: • are on a low income • need NHS treatment at a hospital, other NHS center or private clinic • have been referred by a healthcare professional.
HTCS does not apply if you are: • visiting a GP or dentist for routine appointments • visiting others in hospital • visiting A&E or Minor Injury Units. Claims can be made to the individual hospitals.

Mendip Community Transport, Slinky Service  – This service provides transport for Senior citizens, those with disabilities & socially excluded persons (i.e. no access to local bus routes). It is a first come, first served service so passengers are advised to give as much notice as possible. Please phone the booking Line for details of cost and availability – Bus Passes are accepted.

For information on disabled access, wheelchair walks, easy access for all, mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles and buggy walks visit the ACE website.

This site also provides information regarding taxi companies with disabled friendly taxis, along with wheelchair and scooter hire.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are available for residents of Somerset who are of pensionable age or eligible on the grounds of disability. The pass allows you to travel free on buses in every area of England subject to certain time restrictions. Download application form online or contact Transporting Somerset who will post form.

You may be able to apply for a disabled person’s rail card, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, are visually impaired or registered as deaf, please see website for details, the card will allow you a third off rail travel and costs £20.00 a year.

National Express, Senior Coach Card, Disabled Coach Card and Young Persons Coach Card give a third off standard fares. Coach Card costs £10 a year.