DART Partnership

For more than 20 years, Down Armagh Rural Transport (DART) Partnership has been helping people across our local communities stay active, independent and connected.

Based in Portadown, DART is a registered charity and social enterprise providing safe, affordable and accessible community transport throughout Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Lurgan, Dromore and surrounding rural areas.

For many older people, people living with disabilities and those without access to suitable public transport, everyday journeys can present significant challenges.

DART helps overcome these barriers, enabling people to attend appointments, visit friends and family, enjoy social activities and remain active members of their communities.

Because community transport is about much more than getting from one place to another. It is about maintaining independence, reducing isolation and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life.

Dial-A-Lift – Rural Transport

Supporting people living in rural communities who have difficulty accessing conventional public transport. The service helps eligible passengers travel to appointments, shops, social activities and essential services, providing an important connection between rural communities and nearby towns.

DATS – Door-to-Door Transport

An accessible transport service for eligible people living in urban areas who experience difficulties using conventional public transport. The service supports independent living by helping passengers access everyday activities, appointments and social opportunities.

Community Group Transport

DART also provides accessible minibus hire for community organisations and groups, helping people participate in outings, activities and events.

Through these services, DART plays an important role in reducing social isolation and strengthening community connections.

Local Inclusive Friendly Transport | Helping People Living with Dementia Stay Connected

DART Partnership has introduced an exciting new service specifically designed to support people living with dementia.

L.I.F.T. (Local Inclusive Friendly Transport) is a dementia-focused community transport project operating across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the service is provided free of charge to the person using it.

The project recognises that a diagnosis of dementia should not mean losing access to familiar places, valued friendships or the activities that bring enjoyment and purpose to everyday life.

L.I.F.T. aims to help people living with dementia continue participating in their communities by providing transport that is accessible, welcoming and sensitive to their individual needs.

L.I.F.T. has been developed with input from people living with dementia, their families, carers and professionals working in dementia support.

Before a passenger’s first journey, the DART team will take time to understand their individual needs, preferences and routines.

This personal approach helps make journeys more comfortable, reassuring and enjoyable.

A Fully Accessible Minibus

A specially equipped electric minibus designed to provide comfortable, accessible transport for passengers.

Friendly Volunteer Befrienders

Trained volunteers who travel alongside passengers, providing companionship, conversation and reassurance throughout their journey.

Dementia-Aware Drivers and Volunteers

With training and support from Dementia UK, drivers and volunteers will be better equipped to understand and respond to the needs of people living with dementia.

Comfort and Conversation

The minibus includes a specially developed Comfort and Conversation Box containing familiar and engaging items such as music, books, puzzles and sensory materials. Developed with advice from Dementia UK, these resources aim to encourage conversation, provide reassurance and help passengers feel at ease.

For someone living with dementia, the ability to get out and about can make an enormous difference to their quality of life.

Attending a social group, meeting friends, visiting familiar places or simply enjoying a journey outside the home can help maintain confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

L.I.F.T. has been created with these benefits in mind.

By providing supportive, dementia-friendly transport, the project aims to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent people from remaining involved in the activities and communities they enjoy.

It also offers reassurance to families and carers, knowing that their loved ones are travelling with people who understand their needs.

At Memories Dementia Café, we believe that friendship, inclusion and meaningful social connections are essential to supporting people living with dementia and their families.

We are delighted to recognise DART Partnership among our community friends and to highlight the important work being undertaken through the L.I.F.T. project.

Both organisations share a simple belief: a diagnosis of dementia should never mean losing your place in the community.

By raising awareness of services such as L.I.F.T., we hope to help more individuals and families discover the support available to them.

If you or someone you care for is living with dementia and could benefit from accessible, supportive community transport, DART Partnership would be delighted to hear from you.

The team can provide further information about L.I.F.T., discuss individual transport needs and explain how to access the service.

DART also welcomes enquiries from people interested in volunteering as befrienders.

• Telephone: 028 3831 7810
• Email: info@dartpartnership.org.uk
• Address: 10 Charlestown Avenue, Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown, BT63 5ZF
• Website: dartpartnership.co.uk