LVRT will purchase a dedicated vehicle to deliver training & support in remote communities, remove transport barriers, increase participation, reduce isolation & improve life chances of local people.
Estimated Cost
£58,500
Lochview Rural Training (LVRT) is a Scottish charity and social enterprise based in Sutherland in the northern Highlands. LVRT deliver practical land-based skills training, wellbeing programmes, and community support to people across some of Scotland’s most remote rural areas. Our work supports young people, adults, crofters, volunteers, families, and individuals experiencing social, economic, health, or geographic barriers to participation.
Our activities include land-based skills training, one-to-one support for young people facing barriers to education and employment, employability and livelihood programmes, volunteering opportunities, community events, and adult mental health and wellbeing programmes. LVRT also support children and young people with additional support needs and adults living with long-term mental and physical health conditions. Through practical outdoor learning, social connection, and meaningful activity, LVRT help people build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, and strengthen community connections.
A major challenge affecting all areas of our work is transport. Sutherland is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Europe, with limited public transport and significant distances between communities. Many participants live in remote locations and have no access to reliable transport. This is particularly challenging for young people not in education, employment or training, people experiencing poor mental health, individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, older adults, and those on low incomes.
Although LVRT work with community transport providers and partner organisations wherever possible, these arrangements are often inconsistent and unable to meet demand. Transport is one of the most common barriers identified by participants and referral partners. It contributes to missed sessions, reduced attendance, and, in some cases, prevents people from engaging with support altogether. Those who could benefit most from our services are often the least able to access them.
LVRT are seeking funding to improve our ability to provide reliable transport for participants and to support outreach and community-based programme delivery. This investment would enable us to collect and return participants from remote locations, improve access to training and wellbeing activities, and deliver services more effectively across the communities we serve. It would also allow greater flexibility in delivering outreach activities, practical learning opportunities, volunteering projects, and community events.
The people who would benefit include young people facing barriers to education and employment, children and young people with additional support needs, adults experiencing mental health challenges, people living with long-term physical and mental health conditions, crofters and smallholders, volunteers, families, and individuals experiencing rural isolation. By removing transport barriers, we will increase access to opportunities that improve skills, confidence, wellbeing, and community participation.
Transport support will be integrated into programme planning from the point of referral or enrolment. The service will be managed through existing organisational systems, with appropriate safeguarding procedures, driver checks, training, maintenance schedules, insurance, and operational policies in place to ensure safe and effective delivery.
The total first-year project cost is estimated at around £58,500, including vehicle acquisition, insurance, maintenance, compliance, driver induction, branding, and contingency costs. Final expenditure will be based on competitive quotations and procurement processes to ensure value for money.
The anticipated impact is significant. LVRT expect improved attendance and programme completion rates, reduced transport-related barriers, and increased participation among people who are currently excluded due to geography or lack of transport. The project will strengthen delivery of adult mental health and wellbeing programmes across central and west Sutherland and Coigach, improve access to support for children and young people with additional support needs, and enable more consistent participation for adults living with long-term health conditions.
LVRT also expect to expand our reach into communities that currently have limited access to our services, strengthen relationships with referral partners, increase volunteer involvement, and reduce social isolation. By enabling people to participate in practical activities, learning opportunities, and supportive community environments, the project will contribute to improved wellbeing, resilience, confidence, and quality of life.
This proposal aligns strongly with priorities around rural inclusion, mental health and wellbeing, youth development, reducing inequalities, community resilience, disability inclusion, and fair access to services. It addresses a fundamental barrier that prevents people from accessing opportunities that could positively affect their lives.
LVRT is committed to sustaining this investment over the long term. Ongoing operational costs will be incorporated into future organisational and programme budgets, and transport-related costs will be included in funding applications where appropriate. LVRT will also explore opportunities for shared community use and partnership working to maximise both community benefit and financial sustainability.
For LVRT, transport is fundamental to achieving our mission. Improving access will enable more people to participate in training, wellbeing activities, volunteering, and community life regardless of where they live. This investment will help reduce rural isolation, improve outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, and strengthen the long-term impact of our work across a wide geographic area.
.png)
.JPG "logo (1).JPG")
Most voted