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We have ambitious plans to further develop the DalesBus network into and around the Yorkshire Dales. To help us achieve our aims of improving sustainable access into and around the area we are now looking for more volunteers with Marketing, Fundraising or Community Liaison knowledge, skills and expertise.
Background Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company (D&BCIC) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit social enterprise which manages the “DalesBus” network of weekend public bus services into and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale/ Forest of Bowland Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is wholly owned by Friends of the Dales, a registered charity, which aims to keep the Dales special and vibrant for years to come. DalesBus serves a wide range of catchment communities across the North of England, including the urban areas of West Yorkshire, East Lancashire, and Teesside. The network has expanded over the years and now supports fifteen summer weekend services linking all the surrounding urban areas to the Dales, with services to Malham, Upper Wharfedale, Wensleydale, Swaledale and Nidderdale. These include services scheduled to connect with other bus and train services, in particular on the Leeds - Settle - Carlisle line. In winter months five Sunday services continue, serving Nidderdale, Upper Wharfedale and Wensleydale. DalesBus also provides a much-valued service for local communities within the Dales who otherwise would have no transport on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays, thereby further isolating those without access to their own transport. Over 40,000 passenger journeys were made on services managed by D&BCIC in 2022-23. D&BCIC is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors who deal not only with strategy, but also the day-to-day activities of managing of the DalesBus network, including contracting commercial operators to provide the bus services. They are assisted by a wider team of volunteers who help with tasks such as social media posting, the distribution of publicity materials and updating of bus stop displays. Skills or experience required Marketing D&BCIC uses a range of channels to promote DalesBus, including printed materials, social media and media releases – as well as our website www.dalesbus.org. Volunteers with some marketing knowledge, skills and expertise are sought to help drive further passenger growth on the DalesBus network over the next few years. We would also welcome people with graphic design skills to help produce publicity materials. Fundraising Each year we need to raise over £150,000 to maintain the DalesBus network. Over the last few years there has been a significant drop in funding support from the public sector and D&BCIC has had to devote more time and effort to seek funding from commercial sponsors, charitable trusts, local charities, local businesses and individual donations as well as organising fundraising events. This has enabled most of the network to be maintained but much of the resulting funding is only short-term and on a one-off basis, so does not provide security for the future. Volunteers with some fundraising knowledge, skills and expertise are therefore sought to help raise more funding and secure the future of the DalesBus network. Community Liaison D&BCIC strives to benefit the whole community. We would really appreciate support from volunteers who can help us to build a positive relationship with any of the diverse range of communities within and surrounding the Dales who could benefit more from DalesBus. We particularly welcome volunteers who may identify as Black, Asian, or from another marginalised group. Knowledge in how to develop and implement community outreach initiatives is desirable but not essential. Board Vacancies Volunteers are encouraged to let us know if they would like to discuss joining the board as directors to assist with the overall management of the company’s activities. To find out more or register your interest please get in touch with us. Comments are closed.
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