Community Transport Services, more than just driving.

• St John WA Community Transport Services (CTS) provides independence for disabled workers.
• Safe transport for those with additional needs – a plus for carers.
• Volunteers make lasting change in the lives of clients.

During Carers Week, St John WA caught up with long-time client Corrina Sedgman, her mum/carer Janice, and CTS driver Lillian to talk about the impact the service has on them all. 

For seven years, Corrina has been a much-loved client of CTS, using the service to get to and from work. 

Despite being thought of primarily as a way to get to and from medical appointments, Community Transport offers a dependable, door-to-door service for people who can’t use public transport, don’t qualify for group transport, or who cannot drive themselves. 

Whether it be a hospital outpatient appointment or a crafternoon at the local community centre, CTS are here to help. 

For Corrina, the service doesn’t just provide an independent and reliable form of transport, it also provides valuable peace of mind for Janice. 

“Corrina’s comprehension is much lower than her verbal ability,” Janice says.

“Coupled with her over-sociable manner, this leaves her vulnerable in the community. 

“St John WA offers door to door service which alleviates that concern for us.”

Having reliable transport means Janice has some time in her day where she isn’t worrying about Corrina’s wellbeing.

The service also provides Corrina with additional opportunities to socialise. 

“A bonus is the rapport she has since built with the volunteer drivers, all of whom go above and beyond to make her journey fun,” Janice said.

“She’s excited to see them and this transport offers her some level of independence, albeit cradled by the care and compassion of the volunteers.”

A team of female volunteers regularly rotate transporting Corrina from A to B, all ready to blast the radio and talk all things dance and art, fields in which Corrina excels. 

Volunteer Lillian Kluge has been driving with Corrina since she started volunteering with SJWA and takes great pride in the close relationship she has built with her.

“I like to make a point of remembering details of each client so I can use that to build connection for the next time I see them,” Lillian said. 

“Corrina is just wonderful, funny, and kind. We can talk about so many things and she’s just always happy, but of course she has her way with the radio, and I’m not allowed my ‘old people’ music”.

It’s the attention to detail and care provided that leaves Janice with additional comfort when waving Corrina goodbye each morning.

“We are very grateful for the commitment of care from the St John’s Community Transport, in particular the volunteers,” Janice said.

“From my perspective, the service has a snowball effect. I am relieved to see her go off to work safely, she is able to maintain her work placement (contributing to society), and the drivers feedback how rewarding their role is.”

The impact of CTS in the community is clear; the service fills a vital gap in the lives of many, allowing for independence, socialisation, and for carers’ some relief of care.

Drivers enjoy the impact they make in the lives of others, become a part of the diverse St John WA family, and meet people from all corners of life. 

For Corrina the service has had a profound impact.

“The St Johns Transport I’ve used for seven years is a service I use to go to and be on time to go to my disability workshop three days a week,” she said.

“I’m happy with the service because the lovely ladies take me to my job and they like to change the radio station to 93.7. 

“My lovely family member my mum. 

“We need more lady drivers that understand disability to get me from A to B”. 

Volunteer here: https://stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer

Book the service here: https://www.stjohnwa.com.au/ambulance-and-health-services/transport-services/metro-community-transport