Campaign by Story
At CISWO, our community minibus helps older and vulnerable people from across South and West Yorkshire make the journey to our Thornycroft Day Centre in Pontefract.
For many, that journey is only possible because we provide accessible, door-to-door transport.
Our current minibus is ageing and increasingly unreliable. We are raising funds for a new accessible vehicle so people can continue getting to Thornycroft, seeing friends, staying active and being part of a community where they belong.
For many of the people we support, the minibus isn't simply transport – it's a lifeline.
Malcolm's story
After losing his wife, Malcolm spent nine years living with loneliness. That began to change when he stepped aboard the CISWO minibus for the first time.
With door-to-door transport to Thornycroft, Malcolm could get out of the house, meet new people and gradually rediscover a sense of routine and connection. The Centre became somewhere to look forward to – a place to make friends, take part and begin enjoying life again.
"Please just come along and start trying to get back to a normal life."
And the friendship starts before Malcolm even reaches the Centre.
"When we get to the centre, we all sing, 'Here we are again', and everybody joins in."
Jean and Steven's story
Sometimes a journey to Thornycroft can lead somewhere nobody expected.
Jean and Steven both travelled to the Centre on our minibus. Through the journeys they shared and the time they spent together at Thornycroft, friendship grew into love.
In December 2024, they were married.
"That bus didn't just take me somewhere. It brought me to someone."
Their story shows what can happen when people have the opportunity to get out of the house, meet others and make new connections.
When the bus doesn't come
For some of our members, the minibus is the only way they can get to Thornycroft.
When our ageing vehicle breaks down, journeys have to be cancelled. That can mean missing friends, activities, a shared meal, health and wellbeing sessions or simply the chance to get out of the house.
For someone who lives alone, a cancelled journey can make a big difference.
"If I couldn't come on the bus I wouldn't be able to come. I'd be lonely again like I was before. It's a long week when you're on your own."
Help us keep these journeys going
Every year, our community minibus makes thousands of journeys, bringing people to Thornycroft from communities across South and West Yorkshire.
We need a new accessible minibus so we can continue providing safe, reliable, door-to-door transport for the people who rely on us.
But your donation will help provide much more than a vehicle.
It means someone getting out of the house and seeing friends. Staying active. Trying something new. Getting advice or practical support when they need it. And continuing to be part of a place where they are known, welcomed and valued.
Every pound helps keep someone connected. Every journey brings people together.
Please donate today and help us keep our community moving.