Ethos Public Relations Manchester

TSELF loan makes Wheels for Freedom a reality

by Ethos public relations

A £20,00 loan from TSELF - The Social Enterprise Loan Fund - has helped a new company, Wheels for Freedom, save a highly-regarded minibus service for disabled people in Hartlepool.

Wheels for Freedom, a Community Interest Company, stepped in when the previous owners decided they could no longer continue. The service was originally set up just over a year ago and benefits from a contract with North East Ambulance Service.

The loan from TSELF allowed Wheels for Freedom to purchase the business, including the specialised vehicle.

Ken Fox, director of Wheels for Freedom, says: "The funding we have received from TSELF will enable us to continue to provide an important local transport service for disabled people in a specially adapted minibus. Often disabled people are unable to use conventional public transport, so this service offers a much-needed alternative."

Rod Jones, Regional Director of TSELF, adds: "We are delighted to be able to help secure the future of the minibus service. The original owners set up the business in response to their personal experience of the problems faced by disabled people and we are pleased that Wheels for Freedom will be able to carry on their good work."

The directors of Wheels for Freedom, Ken Fox and Paul Kelly, both have a background in driving disabled passengers and voluntary work. The business also has significant local support and guidance from agencies such as CapitaliSE, Business Link and Hartlepool Carers, in addition to North East Ambulance Service.

To find out more about Wheels for Freedom email wheelsforfreedom@hotmail.com.

Posted at 26^th May 2009