We are delighted with the news that ENABLE Scotland, our nominated charity of the year, are gaining more recognition for their Stop the Bus Campaign. Now, they have been nominated for the Cracking Campaign award at the Scottish Charity Awards for their Stop the Bus campaign.
The Cracking Campaign award recognises the tremendous work of campaigners across the country so it’s great to see a charity whose work we believe in and support, nominated. They also have the chance of winning the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by a public vote and where you can help.
The Stop the Bus campaign was launched to make bus passes more accessible for people with learning disabilities, by improving access to the concessionary travel scheme.
Since rules changed in 2006 many people with learning disabilities have struggled to access bus passes, resulting in greater isolation. This motivated the charity’s members who took 3000 signatures and 500 letters to MSPs and gained cross party support. They called for extended eligibility criteria and improved clarity around the application process.
Thanks to their efforts Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Transport Scotland responded. His team worked with ENABLE Scotland to review and simplify the bus pass application process. Now many more people with learning disabilities are able to access bus passes and travel independently.
Their nomination at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is a great reflection of this success. Having already scooped the Herald’s Campaigner of the Year title in November last year it’s great to see them nominated for this national award.
We wish them the very best of luck and hope for good news at the 9th annual awards at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on June 9th.
We urge you to support the great work of ENABLE Scotland. You can vote easily online, it only takes a couple of minutes. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 13 May and you can vote here.