A COUNCIL-FUNDED minibus is helping young people reach support services in Tendring.
The 16-seater Peugeot, funded by a £50,000 grant from Tendring Council, was purchased by UTurn4Support for use across the district.
The charity, which works with young people aged 10 to 18, uses the minibus to transport children to and from its Clacton sessions for holiday clubs, after-school activities, and therapeutic mental health sessions.
Tania Swanson, director of UTurn4Support, said: "We know that a lack of transport is a major hurdle preventing young people from accessing services, so we applied for the funding to help break down barriers and reduce isolation.
"Our team can now pick children up closer to where they live, enabling them to access not only our services but other support available in the community.
"The bus arrived in November, and we can already see major progress and positive outcomes."
The vehicle also helps children get to school, medical appointments and longer-distance outings - activities that were previously out of reach.
Designed to be fully accessible, the bus can be adapted for wheelchair users and those with special educational needs.
Max Hughes, a youth worker at UTurn4Support, said: "The bus has allowed us to work with young people more consistently and has improved engagement.
"We’ve been able to extend the reach of our reward‑scheme trips beyond the local area, and we can also support essential individual appointments like hospital visits."
The minibus scheme is part of Tendring’s £20 million Community Regeneration Partnership, delivered with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Two more vehicles will soon be delivered to Tendring Community Transport and Harwich Connexions.
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Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring Council and councillor responsible for economic growth, regeneration, and tourism, said: "I am so pleased to see the impact that this community minibus is having on the work UTurn4Support do with young people in the area.
"This project was always about more than transport; it is about connection and access to vital services and opportunities, which this is undoubtedly providing.
"It is proof of this funding making a real difference to people’s lives."
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