Transport Resource Unit update - June 09

It's been another busy few weeks for us here at TRU. We've just launched our research into the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender public transport users. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to this, please see the news link below.

Things are really progressing in the community transport sector as well. The Greater Manchester Community Transport Forum is taking over the Health and Transport Group meeting on the 9th July to talk about what community transport can offer the health sector. TRU will be at that meeting to present the research that we've carried out into the impact of door-to-door transport on people's health. There's more information on the event below.

Another event you won't want to miss is the NW Transport Roundtable AGM on 27th June, which features keynote speakers Roger Jones previously the chair of GMPTA and now the director of the Commission for Integrated Transport and NW Rail Campaign, and Roy Newton, head of the Greater Manchester Joint Transport Policy Team.

TRU is currently in discussions with GMPTE about launching a regular forum to bring together VCS organisations to discuss and make recommendations on specific issues relating to transport. The first meeting will focus specifically on disability and access - more information on that next time.

If your group or organisation works with older people, you might be aware that National Falls Day is only around the corner on the 23rd June and that Help the Aged have chosen to focus on falls that occur on buses - more information below. If you're dealing with this issue at a local level, we'd love to hear about it so please get in touch.

And finally, are you, or is someone you know, campaigning to make a positive change to local transport challenges and access to services? If so, you could apply for a Sheila McKechnie Foundation Award, which aims to equip you with the right skills to become a more effective campaigner and bring about change, through one-to-one, mentoring, coaching and shadowing decision makers. The closing date for entries to the Awards is Tuesday 30th June 2009. Transport is just one of the award areas - more information can be found on the Sheila McKechnie Foundation website.