From Wednesday 3 February, Community Transport providers in our region have stepped in to offer a free return journey to a Covid-19 vaccination site to people from priority groups who cannot access public transport and have no other means to get there.

 

What is Community Transport?

 

Community Transport is a subsidised service, funded by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which, for a small charge, normally provides an alternative solution for residents who may find it difficult to access standard public transport. Offering Door 2 Door ‘Dial-a-Ride’ and ‘Shopper Bus’ services, they are a lifeline for vulnerable members of the community.

 

During the national lockdown, while everyone has been advised to stay at home wherever possible, Community Transport operators have only been providing a limited Dial-a-Ride service for essential trips.  Therefore, we decided to use this vital resource to support people in need across South Yorkshire to travel to vaccination sites for free and support the region’s vaccination effort.

 

How can people book a free ride to and from a vaccination site?

 

All Community Transport services use fully accessible vehicles and can pick up passengers directly from their homes.

 

To book a free ride to and from a vaccination site with Door-2-Door services in South Yorkshire, passengers must call their local provider, once they have their vaccine appointment.  There is a dedicated service available for Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield as follows:

 

• Barnsley Dial-a-Ride - 01226 732096
• Doncaster Community Transport - 01302 342400
• Rotherham Community Transport - 01709 517100
• Sheffield Community Transport - 0114 285 9906

 

They should try to give as much notice as possible and at least one or two days before the journey itself. Operators will work hard to accommodate as many people as possible, but places are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

From Sheffield City Region

We are currently distributing millions of pounds to businesses in South Yorkshire that have been forced to close or are suffering a significant loss of income due to lockdown restrictions.

The financial support ranges from £1,000-£19,500 depending on circumstances and fixed property costs, but the deadline to apply is 31^st March 2021, so we need your help to get the word out to as many people as possible before this date.

• Businesses forced to close due to restrictions who do not pay business rates but who do have fixed property costs e.g. outlets in a food hall, multiple/shared occupancy in a premise where a landlord is the rate payer, self-employed people renting space to work, someone renting a chair in a salon.​
• Businesses that are open but have experienced a reduction in trade, e.g. B&Bs, hotels, businesses reliant on footfall and dealing with the public in person. ​Grant is based on rateable or rental value.
• Companies that supply other businesses that have been forced to close or have reduced footfall and are therefore experiencing a significant reduction in turnover. E.g. travel agents, wedding suppliers and caterers, hospitality food and drink suppliers, event security, companies servicing gym equipment. ​
• Further grant payments to businesses forced to close or suffering a significant loss of trade and not eligible for Government support. Eligibility of businesses has been expanded and grant payments have been increased, with top ups automatically sent to those previously receiving support. Home-based businesses and driving instructors to receive a one-off payment. 

All applications should be submitted online via the local council that the business is registered under:

• Barnsley - https://www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/ ​
• Doncaster - https://wearedoncaster.co.uk/business-in-doncaster/business-support/business-support-during-coronavirus/ ​
• Rotherham - https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/business-economy/financial-support-business/1  ​
• Sheffield - https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/coronavirus-hub/support-for-business#grants 

Help and guidance on all business support schemes is also available through the Growth Hub, visit https://www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/covid-19-support-for-businesses/financial-support-for-businesses/ or email growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk for more information.