KEEP MOBILE has been in operation since the beginning of 1992 and registered as a charity through the Industrial & Provident Society in February 1993. It is run by a Management committe made up of wheelchair users, other disabled people, carers and those with many years experience in providing accessible transport. All of the committe are volunteers.

KEEP MOBILE was set up to help those in the Wokingham District and Bracknell Forest Brough areas, who are unable to use ordinary transport (due to their disability and/or age) to reach their destination, where ever that may be, and have as much of an independent life as is poosible with regard to transport.

KEEP MOBILE operate a fleet of accessible mimi-buses all of which have adaptable seating arrangements to suits varying needs (i.e. wheelchair passengers) and passenger lifts. All drivers and escorts are trained to the nationally recognised MIDAS standard, (Community Transport Association's Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme) as recognised by the Department of Transport and RoSPA. Keep Mobile has also achieved the status of having it's own MIDAS DATs (Driver Assrssor/Trainers).

KEEP MOBILE provide the following services, all of which are door to door:

• Dial a Ride (DAR), where members can telephone (0845 345 6696) for travel up to 15 miles with fixed fares.
• Long distance, where members can telephone (0845 345 6696) to book a journey anywhere they require at a time to suit them. As far as possible Keep Mobile will transport members ro any destination in the UK. All transport is subject to vehicle availability.
• Shopping Trips, a regular service to local towns with sufficient time to shop or meet friends etc.
• Day Excursions, trips to places of interest as published in Keep Mobile's monthly programme.
• Contract Work, for other voluntary organisations including: Stroke Clubs, Arthritus Care, Polio Fellowship, Berkshire Blind, Alzheimer's Association and Social Services.

In order to promote Keep Mobile and to raise funds, addtional work for Social Services is undertaken, involving the transport of disabled people to day centres etc.

KEEP MOBILE has approximately 37 members in Hurst. In 2003 these members made approximately 250 trips. As a charity Keep Mobile have to fund-raise to meet the cost of this service. The fare charged is approximately 20% of the actual cost. Wokingham District Council provide a grant which covers 50% of the cost in certain parishes only. The balance has to be meet by other donations and grants. To cover the cost of this service for Hurst would be approximately £850 for 2004.

KEEP MOBILE are always looking fpr volunteers, not only for pushing wheelchairs, but driving, escorting, caring and administration. The "Friends of KEEP MOBILE", who run the fund-raising activities, always appreciate assistance.

If you would like to help Keep Mobile, and are able to give some time, then please contact them at the following address:

KEEP MOBILE
Unit 8
171 Evendons Lane
Wokingham
RG41 4EH

Tel. 0845 345 6696
Fax. 0118 977 1494

e-mail admin@keepmobile.org.uk
Or visit the new website at keepmobile.org.uk