Gamechanging Easilink training programme wins NI Road Safety Award

TRAINING volunteer minibus drivers for community groups has just netted Easilink Community Transport a prestigious award.

Clare Russell, Easilink chief executive, was delighted to receive the award from Road Safe NI, at a glittering awards ceremony in Belfast Castle.

“Our work in Community Transport means a great deal to local community groups but the wider community may not be aware of it," she said.

This award recognises the work of our team to ensure that volunteers have what they need in terms of knowledge, training, skills and support to do an important job in their community, keeping people connected.

"It has been a gamechanger for the community groups that can now hire our accessible affordable minibuses and supply their own driver.

“It was lovely to meet with the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, at the event, who has been so supportive of the work of Community Transport and have the opportunity to talk about this aspect of our work."

The Easilink“D1 Minibus Driver Training demonstrates a strong, community-focused commitment to improving safety on local roads through education, minibus training, and empowerment.

“By providing high-quality, structured training for volunteers, the initiative not only enhances driving standards but also ensures that some of the most vulnerable road users - older adults, people with disabilities, and those living in rural isolation - travel safely and confidently, “ said Charlene Devine, the Motability Project coordinator.

“The project prioritises driving techniques, vehicle safety checks, passenger care, and hazard response training.

“Volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate minibuses safely, navigate rural and urban routes responsibly, and manage the unique dynamics of transporting groups.

"The training also fosters an understanding of how to support passengers with mobility needs and promotes calm, confident driving behaviour in all conditions."

Beyond practical skills, the programme cultivates a culture of safety, responsibility and community service.

Many volunteers enter the scheme without prior experience driving minibuses; the project provides them with professional-level standards of training and instils lasting safe driving habits that extend beyond their volunteer role.

This project also aligns closely with the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries.

Central to Vision Zero is the belief that safe systems depend on well-trained, responsible drivers who can anticipate risk and prevent harm.

By providing structured, high-quality training to volunteer minibus drivers, the project strengthens this safe system approach - focusing on prevention rather than reaction.

Training ensures that volunteers understand vehicle dynamics, hazard awareness, and passenger safety, helping to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes. In doing so, the project contributes directly to the Vision Zero goal of safer roads for all.

In its third year, the Easilink Minibus D1 Driver Training Project has achieved significant success, building both capacity and confidence across the community.

In the past 24 months, 24 participants have completed the training programme, with nine successfully passing all elements of their assessment and now fully certified.

A further breakdown of this activity is that these newly certified individuals; five casual for Easilink, two full-time Easilink and four volunteers for groups.

There are currently a further 15 participants in active training, developing the essential skills and knowledge to join the driving team soon.

The project is also supporting an additional three volunteers who are now fully active, regularly driving for community organisations and helping people across the Derry and Strabane District to access essential services, social activities and health appointments.

The programme has been made possible through the generous support of PEACEPLUS, Motability and Derry City and Strabane District Council, whose funding has ensured that training remains accessible and high quality.

Their investment is directly improving road safety, volunteer development, and community wellbeing.

By combining professional training standards with community spirit, the project continues to expand opportunities for safe, inclusive, and sustainable transport across the region.