Getting out and about: community transport and lifts

Being able to get out and about, to the shops, to appointments, or simply to see people, makes a real difference to how connected and independent we feel. If you no longer drive, or you find buses difficult, or there is just not much public transport where you live, it can feel as though your world is shrinking. The good news is that there is far more help locally than many people realise. This page sets out the options across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

Your bus pass and local buses

If you are of State Pension age, your older person's bus pass, known here as the Gold Card, gives you free off-peak travel on local buses right across England. It is one of the simplest ways to get about, and our separate guide on your older person's bus pass explains how to apply and how to use it. Buses in the area are run by companies such as Stagecoach, Trent Barton and Arriva.

When buses are tricky: Travel Derbyshire On Demand

If there is no handy bus route near you, or you would find a regular bus hard to manage, there is a bookable service called Travel Derbyshire On Demand. Unlike an ordinary bus, it has no fixed route. You simply book a journey between any two points within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, at a time that suits you, whether that is a trip to the shops, an appointment, or a visit to friends and family. You can book by phone or using the app, and it is free for Gold Card holders travelling after 9:30am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays.

Door-to-door community transport

For those who find it difficult to get to a bus stop at all, community transport schemes offer a friendly, door-to-door service. Derbyshire Connect runs a weekly shopping trip from local communities to a nearby town or supermarket, and a separate service, Access to Health, which takes you to medical appointments such as the hospital, GP, dentist or optician. The vehicles can take wheelchairs, and a passenger assistant can come along if you need a hand. Journeys are free for Gold Card holders, with only a small fare otherwise, and you book in advance, ideally giving a couple of days' notice. There is also a local Dial-a-Bus door-to-town shopping service, which you can reach on 01246 209668.

Getting to hospital appointments

If you have a medical need that means you cannot get to hospital by any other means, you may qualify for NHS non-emergency patient transport, which your GP or the hospital can tell you about. Otherwise, the Derbyshire Connect Access to Health service mentioned above is there to take you to appointments. Our guide on coming home from hospital has more on getting to and from hospital.

Taxis, trains and getting around town

A taxi can be a good option for shorter trips, and many local firms have vehicles that take wheelchairs, so do ask when you book. For train journeys, a Senior Railcard cuts the cost, and you can arrange free help at the station, including getting on and off the train, through the railway's Passenger Assist service. In some town centres, a Shopmobility scheme lets you borrow a mobility scooter or wheelchair for the day, so you can get around the shops with ease.

If you have a Blue Badge or a mobility scheme

A Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to be, and our separate guide explains how to apply for one. And if you receive the higher mobility part of a disability benefit, the Motability Scheme can let you lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair.

A little help from volunteers

Some journeys are made far easier with a friendly volunteer driver, and several of the community transport schemes use volunteer cars to get people to appointments and on outings. It is well worth asking Call Derbyshire what voluntary car schemes run in your part of the area.

When getting out is harder

There will be days when getting out simply is not possible, and that can feel lonely. Do remember that staying connected does not always mean leaving the house. A regular, friendly phone call can mean a great deal, and that is exactly what our befriending service here at BrightLife is here for.

Where to get help, locally and nationally

Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:

• Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, your first port of call for community transport, Travel Derbyshire On Demand, and what is available near you.
• Derbyshire Connect, for door-to-door shopping and health appointment transport, at bookings@derbyshireconnect.org.uk.
• The local Dial-a-Bus, on 01246 209668.

Across the country:

• National Rail's Passenger Assist, for free help at stations, on 0800 022 3720.
• The Motability Scheme, if you receive a qualifying mobility benefit.
• Citizens Advice, for help if a transport or benefit question is causing difficulty. For Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, call 0808 250 5702.