Brighter Futures: Denbighshire and Conwy Community Fleet Development
The Denbighshire and Conwy Community Fleet is an innovative shared-resource initiative designed to support voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations. Developed by Brighter Futures, the project aims to reduce costs, improve access to transport and equipment, and strengthen collaboration across communities. By creating a “community pool” of vehicles and equipment, the project has transformed how local organisations access resources, enabling them to deliver more activities and reach more people.
Many community groups face significant barriers that limit their ability to deliver activities, including:
- High costs of hiring vehicles and equipment
- Limited access to transport, particularly for group travel
- Duplication of resources across organisations
- Reduced opportunities for collaboration
- Financial pressures restricting service delivery
In many cases, organisations reported cancelling or not attempting activities due to transport costs or logistical challenges. The Community Fleet was designed as a shared resource system to address these challenges.
Key Features of the Model
- A fleet of vehicles including; a 17-seat minibus, 8-seat minibus (added later), and a Crew van and trailer
- A community equipment bank (planned container storage)
- Free access for voluntary, community, and statutory organisations
- Online booking and reporting system
- Maintenance, insurance, and compliance managed centrally
- Training provision
- The model promotes a shift away from individual ownership towards shared use, encouraging partnership working and resource efficiency.
The project was initially funded by the Gwynt y Môr Community Fund and launched in Rhyl before expanding into Conwy. Key delivery elements included:
- Partnering with local organisations such as Dial-a-Ride, 1Compass, and Home-Start
- Establishing safe storage locations for vehicles
- Providing inductions and mandatory safety procedures for users
- Introducing structured maintenance schedules (daily, monthly, and 8-week checks)
- Creating a growing network of participating organisations
Results and Impact
- Over 36 organisations (approx. 41 groups) actively using the fleet
- Over 2,000 residents estimated to have benefited
- Vehicles used for over 70 journeys within the first 6 months
- Activities include; youth trips and residentials, sports events and matches, community celebrations (e.g. Christmas Float featured on ITV News), and educational visits and training
- The project has delivered significant cost savings:
- Approx. £3,720 saved by Brighter Futures alone and estimated £14,000+ savings for the wider voluntary sector
- Groups previously paid between £180–£240 per day for minibus hire, meaning the free shared model has significantly reduced financial barriers.
- Partnerships developed across North Wales and beyond - Over 80 groups informally connected through the network
- Collaboration between diverse organisations including; youth groups, sports clubs, charities and housing providers, and schools and community centres
- Training delivered includes; MIDAS driver training (multiple groups), Health & Safety (Level 1 & 2), First Aid and CPR, and Risk assessments and compliance training. This has improved organisational confidence and capability in delivering services.
Social and Community Benefits
The project has:
- Reduced isolation and improved community engagement
- Enabled access to opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups
- Increased the number and variety of community activities
- Supported wellbeing through participation in social and recreational events
Following success in Rhyl, the model has been replicated in Conwy in partnership with local organisations. In Conwy, the project has increased access to affordable transport across the county and generated strong demand from groups such as; Abergele Community Action, North Wales Superkids, and Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association.
Users of the fleet said:
“The minibus enables us to attend competitions at a reasonable cost… helping children continue doing what they love.”
“The ability to hire the minibus saved a lot of money and made a once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.”
Future Developments include:
- Expanding the fleet with more accessible vehicles (non-D1 requirement)
- Developing a volunteer driver team
- Improving impact measurement (cost and carbon savings)
- Growing the equipment pool and shared resources
- Further expanding the model across Wales
The Denbighshire and Conwy Community Fleet demonstrates how shared resources can transform community infrastructure. By reducing costs, increasing access, and fostering collaboration, the initiative has created a more connected, resilient, and sustainable community network. The project is now recognised as a replicable model of good practice, with potential for wider adoption across the UK.
