As face-to-face services decline, rural communities like ours face growing challenges—especially when transport options are limited. This makes accessing healthcare harder and impacts overall wellbeing. That’s why we’re speaking up for Mashamshire!

I am often busy behind the scenes attending meetings and advocating for our local needs. Recently, we attended a Local Care Partnership Health Inequalities workshop alongside primary care teams, the NHS trust, public health, North Yorkshire Council, neighborhood teams, and charities like ours. Together, we explored how to prevent ill health and improve wellbeing for everyone.

Transport remains the biggest barrier, and we’re tackling it head-on. Today, we’re meeting with Integrated Passenger Transport and North Yorkshire Council to discuss practical solutions.

Here at MCO, we’re proud to offer services six days a week—from front desk advice and library access to wellbeing walks, digital support, signposting, and promoting local services. We also connect people through community networks, advocate for residents, and create volunteering opportunities.

Thanks to our small staff team and incredible volunteers (who contribute over 10,000 hours every year!), we’re helping people live their best lives in Mashamshire. A huge thank you to everyone who makes this possible!

If you would like to read more on how access to transport impacts health, then check out the Healthwatch report.