Aims & Objectives
DDAT aims to improve access to fully accessible transport to people in the community, thus promoting social inclusion, targeting social need and reducing rural isolation especially for people with disabilities. To increase activity levels and improve sustainability and to Improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Organisation. Improve…
Values
DDAT believes in: • Accessibility – the service is provided across the area and is available to people with a range of disabilities. • Active Citizenship – the importance of volunteering both to the individual and to society. • Equality of Opportunity – ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to…els and improve sustainability and to Improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Organisation. Improve…
Down District Accessible Transport (DDAT) was established in May 1998 for the purpose of improving access to goods and services for the residents of Down District, thus promoting social inclusion, targeting social need and reducing rural isolation, in particularly for the young, elderly and infirm.
We provide community transport for our members and operate as an independent Rural Community Transport Partnership (RCTP) providing safe, affordable, flexible and accessible transport service; which is responsive to the needs of members. Since 2004 DDAT has traded under the name of Down Community Transport (DCT). DDAT has a combined area of benefit that covers the former council areas of Down District, Ards and North Down, with its head office near Downpatrick and a vehicle bases Portaferry.
In November 2015 DDAT became a registered charity with the Charity Commission for NI (NIC 103843).
Membership is renewable each year and runs from 1st April until 31st March. It costs £10 for individuals and £25 for Groups. New members need to als pay a £10 registration fee.
WHAT WE DO
OUR SERVICES
DDAT offers 3 services:
1. Dial-A-Lift door-to-door transport service for individuals living in rural areas
2. Volunteer Social Car Scheme (SCS)
3. Group Hire / Self Drive
Dial A Lift
Dial-A-Lift door-to-door transport service for rural areas: DDAT participate in and administer the following DFI supported activities: • Dial-A-Lift door-to-door transport service for individuals living in rural areas • The Assisted Rural Travel Scheme.
Volunteer Social Car Scheme
We operate a Social Car Scheme (SCS) whereby suitably recruited and trained volunteers use their own cars under the control of our staff, providing a safe, efficient and affordable door-to-door service as an alternative for individuals that do not have access to their own transport or that of friends and…
Group hire/ Self Drive
DDAT provide affordable and accessible transport for member groups. In 2016/2017 we provided 42,274 group hire trips equating to 5307 hours. This was an 8% increase on trips from 2015 / 2016 trips and a 5% increase on the hours. In 2017- 2019 we will continue to review each Group…
