Wheels to Work

Wheels to Work is aimed at helping people who cannot access employment or training because of a lack of public or private transport.

The transport solutions offered by Staffordshire will include moped loan, bicycle loan, car sharing advice, personal travel plans and travel vouchers.

Clients accepted on the Wheels to Work programme are able to take up work and training opportunities which would otherwise not be available. Clients are encouraged to begin a regular savings plan to help secure a long term solution to their transport needs after help from Wheels to Work ceases (after six months).

Criteria for the scheme:

To be considered for the Wheels to Work scheme you must match the following criteria:

* Have difficulty with transport which stops you taking your chosen work or training opportunity

* Live in the Staffordshire County Council area (this excludes Stoke-on-Trent)

* There is no upper age limit but clients need to be over 16 years old.

All relevant circumstances will be taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for the scheme, e.g. distance from the nearest public transport routes, availability of suitable transport options for work/ shifts/training, attendance patterns and training history, etc.

Details of solutions offered:

Moped loan - For an period of six months Wheels to Work can provide a moped, helmet, gloves, reflective waistcoat, chain lock and Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

Clients need to have a provisional driving license and pay for the running costs of the moped, along with £40 per month for the loan of the moped.

Clients are responsible for the safekeeping of mopeds and in the event of theft or damage, will have to cover the £250 insurance excess.

Bicycle loan - For an initial six month period a bicycle will be provided to allow access to employment or training directly, or to enable access to public transport for continuation of the journey.

Car sharing - this scheme can enable clients to be matched with someone making a similar journey at similar times, leading to potential lifts to work or training.

Personal travel plans - specific transport information can be given to the client to enable them to make their journey to work or training at the times needed.

Initially the scheme was aimed at people living in rural areas however additional funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust has enabled us to cover more urban areas.

How to apply for Wheels 2 Work

Applications can be made directly to the Wheels 2 Work Co-ordinator or through Connexions or Job Centre plus.

Contact Lisa Baskerville on 01785 276730 or via email at: lisa.baskerville@staffordshire.gov.uk||