We’re thrilled to announce the opening of a new outreach service in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, as part of a collaborative venture between Herts Ability (HA) and East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD). This new service aims to expand our driving assessment offerings to better serve clients in the region, making assessments more accessible to those who need them.
The first assessment will take place on 24th October 2024, with assessments scheduled weekly on Thursdays thereafter. Herts Ability will provide the driving instructor, David, while EAD will supply the occupational therapist, Natalie, ensuring a seamless and expert-led experience for our clients.
A Joint Initiative for Better Access
This outreach service has been fully endorsed by both Herts Ability’s and East Anglian DriveAbility’s Board of Trustees and Senior Management Teams, reflecting our shared commitment to expanding our services. Herts Ability, based in Welwyn Garden City, has already established successful outreach centres in East London, Harlow, Luton, and South Oxhey. Meanwhile, EAD operates five days a week across Thetford and Colchester, with additional outreach locations in Peterborough, Kings Lynn, Norwich, Chelmsford, and more.
The new Cambourne centre fills a much-needed gap in assessment provision for residents in the West Cambridgeshire area, bringing services closer to those who would otherwise need to travel longer distances. This expansion also aligns with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driving Mobility’s mandate that driving assessments be offered within a 30-mile radius or one hour’s travel time from a client’s residence.
Why Cambourne?
Currently, West Cambridgeshire is served by assessment centres in Peterborough (EAD) and Welwyn Garden City (HA), but travel times can vary significantly in this semi-urban area. With over 170 clients from the region served by HA and EAD last year alone, the demand for local, accessible assessments is clear. By establishing a dedicated outreach centre in Cambourne, we hope to provide a more convenient option for residents, while meeting growing demand spurred by increased referrals from local healthcare providers.
The Venue and Future Plans
We’ve secured a venue in Cambourne that meets all accessibility requirements and offers ample space, refreshments, and parking for clients. Initially, appointments will be available one day a week, with the potential to expand as demand grows. There’s also an exciting possibility of using a nearby disused airfield for off-road and high-tech driving assessments.
While our primary focus will be driving assessments to start, we are also exploring the option of expanding services to include passenger assessments, wheelchair and scooter assessments, and car seat clinics on an ad hoc basis.
Looking Forward
This expansion is a key step in our mission to make driving assessments more accessible to all. By collaborating with East Anglian DriveAbility, we are leveraging the strengths of both organisations to ensure high-quality service delivery in the Cambourne area.
We look forward to welcoming clients to our new outreach centre and are excited about the possibilities this new venture will bring.
For more information or to book an assessment, please get in touch with us at 01707 324 581 or email driving@hertsability.org.uk
Together, we are driving mobility forward!
