Devon Access to Services
DAS
Devon Access to Services works to improve accessibility by supporting and signposting individuals who may struggle to access essential services. Through partnership working, we conduct research, produce reports, and develop solutions to address transport and inclusion challenges. We also assist community initiatives with policies, procedures, volunteer recruitment, and training. Additionally, we collaborate with DCC and the NHS to provide volunteer car drivers with parking permits for NHS facilities, helping to support independence and social inclusion across Devon.
DAS and Community Car Schemes
Community Car Schemes provide essential transport to health and social appointments and DAS works with many schemes across Devon to facilitate meetings and share best practice, case studies and statistics. This work helps the schemes’ long term sustainability and raises the profile of their work across Devon with providers of health and social care.
Become a Volunteer Driver
Volunteering as a driver is a rewarding way to give back to your community, helping people stay connected and access essential services. Whether you have a few hours a week or more to spare, your time can make a real difference.
We are looking for volunteer drivers to support:
Thank you for considering volunteering – your support makes a real difference!
Working in Partnership
Devon Access to Services works in close partnership with a range of organisations across Devon to improve access to transport, strengthen community support, and reduce social isolation. By working collaboratively with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and community groups, we help develop practical, sustainable solutions that support rural and coastal communities. These partnerships are central to our work and enable us to share expertise, coordinate resources, and deliver greater impact across the county.
National Lottery Community Fund Partnership
Devon Access to Services is a partner in this National Lottery Community Fund-supported project, working alongside community transport and voluntary sector organisations across Northern Devon to strengthen volunteer-led transport and improve access to essential services.
The partnership takes a collaborative approach to supporting volunteer recruitment, sharing good practice, and helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of community car schemes across the area.
Project partners include Age Concern Barnstaple and North Devon, Torridge Voluntary Cars, Ilfracombe Town Council, Holsworthy Community Transport, South Molton and District Volunteer Bureau, and Braunton Volunteers.
Together, the partnership is helping to ensure that rural and coastal communities can continue to access healthcare, social activities, and vital local services.
Memory Café Transport to Memory Café Project
This project focuses on improving access to memory cafés across Devon by addressing transport barriers that can prevent people from attending. Working with local memory cafés and community car schemes, the project helps identify gaps in provision and develops practical transport solutions to support regular attendance. The aim is to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and ensure that people living with dementia and their carers can stay connected to their communities.
Click here to find out more about Devon Memory Cafe Consortium (DMCC)
Devon Community Drivers
Devon Access to Services, in partnership with Devon Communities Together, has been awarded a grant to pilot a project supporting community transport schemes across Devon to recruit younger volunteer drivers aged 21–65.
The project includes a regional recruitment initiative designed to complement and strengthen existing local recruitment activity within community car schemes.
Devon Communities Together brings its extensive community networks and experience in regional engagement, while Devon Access to Services provides the referral and coordination link between interested volunteers and local schemes, alongside project reporting and evaluation.
Click here to find out more about Devon Communities Together (DCT)
Find Local Transport Options
Explore Transport Options in Your Area
You can also use our interactive map to find your nearest Community Car Scheme. Click on a scheme to see details, including contact information and the areas covered.
We hope this helps you find the right transport solution to stay connected and independent.
To find out more about the work of car schemes, please see our latest Devon Community Car Scheme Social Kindness Reports. Please feel free to share.
Please click the image to download.
If you would like to use any of the information in these reports please contact us and kindly credit Devon Access to Services, a project of NDVS, as the source.
Devon Services
DAS also works to improve access to information by producing an accessible and easy to use online guide to services provided across Devon. A hard copy will be produced to help people who do not have access to the internet.
Public and Community Providers can be found at www.devonservices.org.uk
If you would like to add your service to this listing, please go to the website and click on “Add Service”.
To find out more about DAS please contact [email protected] or [email protected] or give us a call on 01271 859261 or 07840 452147.
DAS is a project hosted by NDVS and funded by Devon County Council
