What is Community Transport Week?
Community Transport Week (CTWeek) celebrates the amazing efforts of everyone in the community transport sector! From dedicated staff and enthusiastic volunteers to skilled drivers and hardworking coordinators, CTWeek shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to provide reliable and essential transportation for people facing mobility challenges or lacking access to traditional transport options.
When is Community Transport Week?
Mark your calendars! In 2024, Community Transport Week will take place from 14th to 18th October.
Why is Community Transport Week Important?
Community Transport Week has three key objectives:
- Celebrate Community Transport: This week recognises and celebrates the fantastic work across the sector. Despite numerous challenges, our members provide essential services. It’s a chance to come together, reflect on achievements, and share positive stories with supporters and stakeholders.
- Challenge Stereotypes and Change Perceptions: We aim to address outdated views of community transport. While traditionally seen as serving older and disabled people in rural areas, it serves diverse communities, including urban areas. We also highlight the professionalism and skills of our brilliant volunteers and the significant paid roles that contribute to the economy.
- Influence Politicians and Policymakers: It’s crucial to shape leaders' understanding and policies regarding our sector. Community transport is often overlooked in policy and funding decisions, leading to underfunding. With recent political changes, now is a critical time to engage new leaders and advocate for our inclusion in funding opportunities and new policies.
How can I get involved in Community Transport Week?
To learn more about how you can participate in Community Transport Week, visit our How to Get Involved page.
CTWeek24, themed 'Celebrating Community Solutions,' draws inspiration from our Manifesto. This year's theme highlights the transformative impact of accessible, inclusive, and affordable transport in strengthening community bonds.
Theme ideas for your #CTWeek24 social media posts and activities!
We’ve suggested these themes, based on the priorities from our manifesto, to help you celebrate and share the powerful story of the impact you have in your communities. While these themes are here to spark some inspiration, feel free to be flexible with your plans. And if you have any other brilliant ideas, don't hesitate to share them with the CTA team at comms@ctauk.org.
Monday 14 October: Modernising for Growth Kick off the week by highlighting how your Community Transport Organisation (CTO) is gearing up for the future. Share stories about innovative training courses, new technologies, and forward-thinking initiatives that are setting you on a path to growth.
Tuesday 15 October: Improving Access to Health and Social Care Focus on the vital role community transport plays in connecting people to essential health and social care services. Highlight success stories, share impactful journeys, and show how you're making healthcare more accessible.
Wednesday 16 October: Investing in Community Solutions Celebrate the power of community-led solutions. Showcase projects and partnerships that are solving local problems, strengthening communities, and making a real difference.
Thursday 17 October: Accelerating Community-Led Climate Action Shine a light on your environmental initiatives. Whether it's reducing carbon emissions, promoting green transport, or any other eco-friendly projects, share how your CTO is contributing to a sustainable future.
Friday 18 October: Delivering a Fair Deal for Volunteers End the week by honouring the unsung heroes – your volunteers. Share their stories, celebrate their contributions, and highlight how vital they are to your operations and the wider community.
Remember to use the hashtags #CTWeek24 and tag CTA on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn in all your posts!