A new free transport service launching on Friday, February 28, is set to provide young people in Haslemere with the opportunity to attend A Place to Be Youth Club.

This initiative is a collaboration between Waverley hoppa Community Transport and A Place to Be. It aims to reduce the barriers caused by a lack of transport, offering greater access to social and supportive activities for local youth.

The pilot scheme is part of a grant-funded project by the government’s UK Prosperity Fund. Richard Davies, General Manager at hoppa, said: “In 2024, we received funding to see whether free transport could encourage more young people to engage in activities, which in turn will help reduce the impact of isolation and loneliness in the younger generation. This partnership with A Place to Be is a perfect example of how free transport can meet a need, and we are pleased to be able to provide this service for young people in Haslemere.”

The hoppa bus will pick up young passengers from four key locations – Hindhead crossroads, Shottermill Ponds, the High Street, and High Lane Park – before dropping them at Haslemere Youth Club. At the end of their session, the bus will return to transport them home.

Chloe Adam, Youth Leader at A Place to Be, added: “A lack of transport is one of the key reasons young people are unable to take part in organised activities. I hope this free pick up and drop off service for ten to 14-year-olds will encourage more young people from Hindhead, Shottermill, Camelsdale and Haslemere to come along and access support and activities safely and at no cost to their families.”

To learn more about the free transport service, or to get details on the route, visit A Place to Be Youth Group or email Richard Davies at [email protected]